Grange Art Studio

I am currently attending life drawing classes at historic Rossnaree House at Slane Co. Meath. The course is organised by the artist and owner of Rossnaree , Aisling Law and the excellent tutor is Sam Horler. The course is inspirational and
enjoyable and will continue every Thursday morning throughout June and July.

For further information : www.rossnaree.ie

Aisling law is also offering residential art courses at her loft studio at Rossnaree House later this summer. See poster below.

Robert Ballagh and me

I am taking part in this exhibition which is part of the Bealtaine Festival , co-ordianted by Age & Opportunity and mentored by artist and Bealtaine ambassador Robert Ballagh. The venue is the Toradh Gallary, Ashbourne Civic Offices, Ashbourne , Co. Meath. It will be opened on Thursday 15th May 2008 at 7.30 pm by Robert Ballagh and Cllr. Nick Killian. The exhibition will run until 12th June 2008.

17 members of the Ratoath Community Art Group and The Old Schoolhouse Art Group are taking part in the exhibition, to celebrate creativity in older age. with original art work mentored by Robert Ballagh during two workshops in April at The Venue, Ratoath.

Take a trip to Ashbourne and visit this exciting show at a wonderful new gallary venue.

Opening hours: Monday – Friday 10 am – 5 pm.

How to transform ordinary fabric from plain to “wow”?

To breath fresh energy into syntetic fabric and textile; second hand cloths, recycled  lace curtains, old embroidery and lace; and by incorporating salvaged old objects like jewellery,  tiny mirrors and shells.

To build depth and character into the piece of fabric by using manipulation techniques involving ; layering, dissolving or distorting – softening, fusing and bonding – by using heat.

To develop interesting patterns and unique surfaces on or with the fabric and objects and create 3-D works of art.

The textile art I have made to date reflects my experiences, interests and personality. They have been inspired by my interest in nature, my many long walks along the sea shore or in the mountains and many hours spent working in and enjoying the garden.

I usually start with an idea of what I want to create and choose pieces of textile which reflects in some way to the image I have in mind.

The heat manipulation of the layers of fabric can reveal surprising discoveries and as the work evolves, it leads to other variations, different elements gets exaggerated, altered or added and expose new aspects of the original inspiration.

Depending on what type of fabric used, the layering, colours, embroidery or lace may encourage new ways of thinking about the piece of work.

Often the imagery may become more and more abstract but I always try to retain the essence of the original inspiration.
The addition of a new media like a small mirror or a pearl will often create a further new image.

It becomes my personal interpretation.

The fact that the art work is layered, fused and moulded by heat increases the stability and longevity of the work.

I partisipated in the Christmas exhibition with 24 art works of which 14 were sold and one commission was received. A successful event for myself and also for many of the other artists taking part. I especially appreciated the great interest in my new textile art pieces. It has encouraged me to try and develop the technique further and try and produce even bigger works.
I am thankful for all your generous comments, appreciation, interest and support.

The Dunboyne Artist’s annual christmas exhibition is just around the corner and preparations are well under way.

The exhibition will open on Saturday 15th December between 7 – 10 pm. Come and join us and enjoy mulled wine and a fantastic display of art by an increasing number of local talent.

The exhibition is also open on Sunday 16th December between 10 am – 3.30 pm

An exciting raffle will be held again this year.

I will be exhibiting 19 new works which can be viewed in the Gallery site below.

CHRISTMAS EXHIBITION UPDATE

The exhibition was, AGAIN, a great success. Members of the local traditional music groupe played at the opening, members of the local choir sang carols while the Christmas lights were turned on in the main squar outside the School doors. the athmosphere were great.

Approx 170 paintings was exhibited and 40 was sold.Exhibits from the childrens art group/course are impoving every year and were very impressive.
10% of the sale will go to the organising commetee to cover the cost of next years exhibition. Looking forward to it allready.

Thank you everyone who helped and worked very hard to make it another success.

The annual Christmas Exhibition at The Old National School in Dunboyne, Co. Meath will be taking place on the 9th and 10th December 2006.

Many local artists and art groups will exhibit new and original works at affordable prices.

Mulled Wine will be served at the opening night – 6 – 10 pm Saturday 9th December.

Looking forward to see you there!!!!

The INDEPENDANT ARTISTS EXHIBITION AT Castle Park School was an impressive display of talent and skill and an interesting experience. Many paintings were sold, including three of mine. Thanks to all who visited the exhibition and gave their support!!
Independent Artists – Network 18th – 19th November 2006

Present a sale of recent work by Irish based artists
Proceeds to benefit
Castle Park School
Dalkey
Co Dublin
Exhibition in the school on:
Saturday 18th November 2006 – 3:00pm – 7:00pm
Sunday 19th November 2006 – 11:00am – 4:00pm
All welcome
Artists: Alexis FitzGerald, Annabel Potterton, Brian Byrnes, Linda Young, Margaret Rheinisch,
Mary Faughan, Mette Sofie Roche, Rosemary Thompson, Una Ryan, Wendy O’Donoghue. Read these Artists profiles.

• Exhibition Invitation- Low resolution (115Kb)
• Exhibition Invitation- High resolution (615Kb)

I was featued in the Irish Times last weekend

• JPG Scan of article in Irish Times
• PDF Scan of article in Irsh Times

The next forthcoming event is a weeks art workshop with my niese Gry Olsen Ulrichsen, the real artist in the family ,at our summerhouse. SKOLA, on an island in the Noth of Norway in early August. Looking forward to it!!!