I am an Irish visual artist, predominantly a painter. I completed a Master’s Degree in psychology at University College Dublin, Ireland after leaving school because the world and people fascinate me and I make art for the same reason. Later in 2010, I completed a BA in Fine Art at the Atlantic Technical University, Ireland, because art was always my first love. Wishing to pursue art but still believing that making art was not a real career option, I completed a PhD in the Philosophy of Art and Culture from the National University of Ireland Galway in 2016, which focused on mindfulness and the phenomenology of painting. I tutored at NUI Galway for a couple of years and painted on the side before deciding that life is too short not to pursue my greatest passion: to work as a professional artist.
The need to paint has never left me and I now work as a from my studio on the West coast of Ireland. My paintings blend abstract and figurative, bordering on magical realism. I aim to create an affective atmosphere rather than a specific location. Currently, I often use mixed media including oil, acrylic, alcohol inks and paint thinners, I love to use gold & silver leaf because of their mystical quality. Recurring themes in my work are interconnectedness and our relationship to the natural environment. Like psychology and philosophy, art is an attempt to make sense of our place in the world. Through art, I hope to foster awe of our natural environment. My work highlights the magic and wonder of nature. My colours, composition and subject matter suggest hope, pointing to the beautiful world we live in, despite these uncertain times, it is a celebration rather than a lament.
I have exhibited in a number of curated and solo shows and festivals in Ireland, including the The Signal Arts Centre, Wicklow, Clifden Arts Festival, Galway, Linenhall Arts Centre, Mayo, Westival and TULCA; as well as exhibitions in the UK including the D31 Gallery, Doncaster, the Aberdeen Artists Summer Show and Hambly & Hambly online Christmas show. I am also a qualified yoga instructor.