Profile
Mette Sofie Roche, originally from North-Norway, living in Ireland for the past 30 years, currently in a restored and converted barn outside Kilbride, Co. Meath where she also has a small studio She has two adult children.
Originally a hobby weaver and textile artist, strong traditions which she brought with her from Norway, she also did evening courses in ceramic sculpture at Dun Laoghaire School of Art when she first came to Ireland.
She started painting with watercolours some years ago and did two weekend courses with renowned artist and watercolorist, Paulin Bewick at Ballyvoughan College of Art. Pauline Bewick had a strong influence on her initial style and choice of medium. Besides textile art, her preferred medium is still watercolour, but she also uses soft pastels and Indian ink, or a combination of two or all three.
For the last three years she has attended evening classes with Marysia Horosimowych in Dunboyne and is a member of The Old Schoolhouse Art Group also based in Dunboyne. The group has exhibited locally around Co. Meath a number of times over the last four years with great success.
Her paintings have been a journey and process of discovery, continually evolving and changing. She finds inspiration for her paintings and art work all around her in nature, in a poem, the lyrics of a song, music or even a specific mood. Her working environment as a social worker can also be a source of inspiration.
Her use of strong colours tries to create something which will delight the eye and also depict the strength and optimism of life.
Expression through artistic endeavour of different forms has sustained her during many periods of uncertainty in her life.
She is trying to achieve an ability to speak in line and colour combinations and is currently teaching herself to draw with the help of the books by Betty Edwards, “Drawing on the Artist Within” and the new edition”Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain”. This process tries to develop the ability to quiet the verbal, analytical part of the mind and allow that silent creative half of the brain to dominate. It has helped to increase her confidence and enhance her creativity. The most important aspect of painting is that she continues to find peace and comfort by being involved in the creative process.
Textile Art
How to transform ordinary fabric from plain to “wow”?
To breath fresh energy into fabric; second hand cloths, recycled curtains, old embroidery and lace and by incorporating salvaged old objects like jewellery, 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.
