While the pandemic dimmed the colors in her life for a while, Kennett Square artist Catherine “Cat” Stenta has managed to reclaim her inspiration and start creating jewelry once again, writes Richard Gaw for the Chester County Press.

Stenta has been working under the name EcoCat for the past three years. During that time, she has created an online presence for women who want to bring a dash of bohemia to their style or add a smattering of color to a formal dress.

But when the pandemic hit, she hit a wall.

“I had a mental shutdown, a roadblock of feeling very scared in general,” Stenta said.

She decided to take a six-week hiatus from work and started looking for inspiration by visiting museums and taking long nature walks.

Then, she discovered birdwatching thanks to her youngest son Jackson. Together, the pair explored birds on nature walks, enjoying the kaleidoscope of colors in their feathers.

Soon, the artist was back to work.

“I have come to understand how much my jewelry has become the equivalent of little pieces of joy, especially now,” said Stenta.

Read more about Cat Stenta in the Chester County Press here.