Grange Art Studio

Every Friday a number of artistic people of all ages (including myself) gather at Studio 10 in the Stable block at IMMA. We visit one of the exhibitions across in the galleries with one of IMMA’s curators to gather information and inspiration and then return to the workshop to produce our own artwork as inspired by what we have heard and seen.

“In Praise of Shadows” (= “everything exists because of it’s surroundings”) was one of the most recent exhibitions we have seen. The show exhibits a number of internationally known animation artists, like William Kentrige who’s drawings and sculptures are based on Plato’s philosophy - it is a vision of reality not distracted by detail. He has a fenominal grasp of gestures and body language. Another artist was Jochum Nordstrum whos drawings had layers of meaning which illustrated stories of mystery or intrigue, often with a dark side.

Below is my finished project inspired by “In Praise of Shadows” The medium is Indian ink on handmade watercolour paper.

This years event for all interested Dunboyne artists opens on Saturday 13th December at 7 pm with mulled wine at the Old National School in the main square in Dunboyne, Co. Meath. The exhibition is also open on Sunday from 11  -  4. See you there.

A painting with images from my previouse life as a social worker was recently commissioned and here it is “Wheel of Change”  ; firstly the finished painting and then some of the details found within.

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.