Meet Cat Barthel | Artist and Upcycler

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cat Barthel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cat, why did you pursue a creative career?
Creating art has never been just a hobby for me, among the fact it’s something I’ve enjoyed it’s also been extremely therapeutic for me as well. I believe a lot of people can relate when I say that when you’re in your flow state, the calmness and soothing qualities of being in your zone is something that can’t be synthesized. When I picked up art back again in 2020, I had explained these feelings to a friend whom Told me in return I should utilize both my talent and feelings and make them into a business. Since then, I’ve started Cvt Bvrthel Art and haven’t looked back!!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Cvt Bvrthel Art throughout the past year has changed so much, zip back just 6 months ago I was just a painting and now I’ve expanded to clothing and jewelry! It’s crazy to think that this all had started during quarantine of 2020, i had started painting to rediscover hobbies and it just stuck. The reason why I started upcycling clothing and making jewelry is actually pretty funny. I had gone in for more painting supplies in JoAnns and found my stuck on the fabric isles, seeing all the different colors and patterns just made me feel like I had to create something with them. I would say my style through out would be something unexpected but playful which is something I’d love to carry into my brand; You have to explore the unexpected to sometimes find things you fall in love with. A big focus on my pieces is the fact I love mixing up shapes, colors and patterns that to eye don’t match at first, but put them in the right place; you can have something spontaneous and beautiful. What I would say sets me apart from others would be my ability to switch up my style, but the piece still holds my essence. A big lesson that I’ve learned coming to the point and time would be never stop doubting yourself., especially if you want to start a small business. If you know you can do it, and you believe in it stop sitting around and waiting for it to happen, sometime you just have to dive in.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh I love this question, I’ve been in Colorado for 4 years and I feel like there’s still so much to explore! However if I had to plan a trip I would definitely start in Denver-all of these are absolute musts for me; taking them to a show at Cervantes, a walk around Meow Wolf , a visit to Vinh Xoung Bakery for a grilled pork Bahn Mi, and a cocktail at Death and Co. My favorite part when my friends visit are taking them into the mountains though; if it’s fall time I love taking people through the Kenosha Pass area because of the aspens. Spring time mushroom foraging on the western slope would be a big one for me as well. But if it’s summer, I’m all about the camping, some of my favorite spots I’ve been too have to be up in the Ned area, Buena Vista and Homestake.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have the most amazing support system in my life right now. The amount I love I feel from the people currently in my life has been a huge pull on why I’ve continued pushing myself to keep creating- however I would love to give a big shoutout to one of my best buddies George Bailey (aka owner of Sacred Gem and Tree Custom Jewlery). She has helped me through a huge part of the process of making my business come alive and giving me guidance with vending opportunities. Watching her growth in the past year with her business as well has been nothing less the inspirational.

Instagram: Http://www.Instagram.com/catz_pajamaaz