Cath Simard
Cath Simard is a Canadian photographer, digital artist, and educator based in Canmore, Alberta. Known for surreal composite landscapes that blend reality and imagination, her work features cool tones, ethereal light, and remote mountain environments. Simard has gained international recognition in both traditional photography and digital art circles.
Her images have been published in TIME, Sony Alpha Universe, and DPReview, and exhibited by Sotheby’s and Christie’s. She is widely regarded for her distinctive visual style and pioneering contributions to digital storytelling and photographic innovation.
Simard’s journey into photography began in 2016 following a solo trip through Indonesia, Hawaii, and Western Canada. Deeply moved by the raw beauty of the Canadian Rockies, she transitioned from a career in fashion modelling and art direction to visual storytelling rooted in nature. Entirely self-taught, her process involves extensive multi-day treks through rugged landscapes to capture the elements used in her intricate composites.
With a strong eye for composition shaped by her design background, Simard produces only a limited number of artworks each year. Each image is crafted with narrative depth and emotional clarity, reflecting a deep personal connection to the landscapes she explores.
Simard is a recognised innovator in the field of digital photography. Her 2021 release of FreeHawaiiPhoto made headlines when it was sold as an open edition for 100 ETH, addressing questions of digital ownership and authorship in the online space. She continued to push creative boundaries with projects like Lumière du Noir and Metascapes, which integrated physical exploration with blockchain technology and artificial intelligence.
Beyond her artistic practice, she leads immersive photography expeditions in Patagonia, Iceland, the Andes, and the Canadian Rockies. Her teaching encourages others to engage more deeply with the natural world and to explore new creative and technological frontiers.
Cath Simard plays an influential role in the global dialogue around photographic rights, digital licensing, and the future of visual storytelling. Through public speaking, publishing, and collaborative projects, she has become a leading voice for artists navigating the evolving relationship between creativity, technology, and environmental awareness. Her work not only inspires a sense of wonder but also advocates for meaningful change in how we value and protect the visual arts.
Simard’s work has been presented at Sotheby’s and Christie’s and published through platforms such as SuperRare. Major projects include Continuum (Sotheby’s 2022), FreeHawaiiPhoto (SuperRare 2021), Lumière du Noir (2021), and the collaborative series Metascapes (2022) with Ryan Newburn and Yuri Beletsky. She has been featured in TIME’s Genesis Collection and in publications, including Sony Alpha Universe, Art of Visuals, Open Skies Magazine, Patagon Journal, and DPReview.
