By Anne MacNeil, LEAD Co-Coordinator
Artists often describe their lives as a calling, not dissimilar to the way religious describe their lives. For our Sister artists, the question of calling proves a rich ground for reflection.
Sister Katharine Reiter, SSND, of SSND-Waterdown, was asked recently to reflect on her love of painting in the context of her religious life.
At 104 years old, Sister Katharine's passion for making art continues, though she no longer paints.
Creativity has shaped Sister Katharine's life in countless ways. Even during her years of gardening at SSND, she carefully planned each garden according to color, ensuring harmony and balance in every space!
Her choice of artistic subjects was guided by inspiration in the moment. She was especially drawn to animals and landscapes, but she placed no limits on what she would paint. Whatever captured her attention became worthy of exploration.
When reflecting on the relationship between her spirituality and her art, Sister Katharine noted that there was no obvious or intentional connection.
“I have been an artist all my life,” she said, adding that “more doors may have been opened through my religious life.”
Rather than competing with her creativity, her vocation expanded the opportunities available to her as an artist.
She noted that being an artist - especially a female artist - in her day was extremely frowned upon. If she had not become a teacher, she may have never explored art to the heights that she did in her religious life.
One such opportunity was attending the Banff School of Fine Arts as a Sister student, an experience that greatly enhanced her skills.
Although Sister Katharine was offered a scholarship, she had to decline it. At the time, Sisters were required to seek permission for everything, and further art studies were not considered a priority!
Sister Katharine spent many years teaching, instructing in all subjects, though art was always her favorite.
She particularly enjoyed teaching Grades 7 and 8. Her students produced beautiful work, often praised by other teachers.
She felt that being an artist herself made teaching art more natural and effective.
Her call to religious life never conflicted with her identity as an artist. Instead, it enhanced it. Painting came naturally to her and brought a deep sense of peace.
“In that way,” she reflected, “I guess it is spiritual.”
Sister Katharine’s life reflects a quiet and enduring integration of creativity, teaching, and faith.
Her religious vocation opened doors that allowed her artistic gifts to grow and be shared with others.
Whether painting, teaching, or gardening, her artistic eye has brought beauty, harmony, and peace to everything she touched—a legacy that continues well beyond her years of active painting.
