Working across film, painting, textile arts, and photography, I am drawn to the ways in which culture shapes identity and how we can preserve and appreciate it in meaningful ways. The process of merging media and concept for me usually pertains to trial and error of multiple media and processes until I find one that translates meaning rather than superficially describing it. My recent work harmonises crochet and drawing through careful curation considering light, shadow and the oberver’s intrigue. Developing my work usually involves consistent repitition of processes until I can achieve a piece that speaks to me in harmony with my source of inspiration.
My subject matter often draws from Irish culture, ranging from the vibrant energy of traditional music sessions to the rich, layered landscapes of the Limerick countryside. My recent practice has been driven by interrogating the deep and shared belief of “the other crowd” or the fairy folk and how it lends itself to so many Irish traditions, stereotypes and superstitions. I’m further intrigued by the seclusion of it all. You’d be hard pushed to get a grandparent or elderly relative to admit to a belief in fairies. However, you’d be equally challenged to provoke that same relative to step inside a fairy fort or chop down a hawthorn tree. It’s this secluded yet shared belief among the older generation that fascinates me. Furthermore, the recent gaelic spark in the media has reinforced my focus on the shared identity of “irishness”. I see my practice as both a celebration and a reminder: a celebration of cultural richness, and a reminder of the importance of slowing down to reflect on the traditions and ideas that forged us. By engaging with culture through multiple mediums, I strive to create work that connects the past with the present.