ARTIST Caitlín Gallagher hails from Belcoo, and describes her artistic style as "chaotic" and "ethereal". Here, she speaks to The impartial Reporter about her influences and her future plans.

What is your artistic background? Are you self-taught or did you go to art school, or do courses?

AFTER finishing my A-Levels I went on to complete my foundation art degree at the South West College in 2017. This was definitely a highlight, as it reaffirmed my belief that ‘This is what I want to do’, and that art can be made just for fun and exploration.

I then went on to study Fine Art (Sculpture/Lens) at the Belfast School of Artm and will be completing my degree this summer.

Some of my earliest memories include drawing and painting behind a small yellow and blue desk during the Summer months, and always trying too hard for the Fèis art competition.

Therefore, I would consider my curiosity for art as coming from a need to create, and I am grateful to have some great tutors that have encouraged my creative journey and offered guidance.

What inspires your art?

I AM inspired by philosophy, spirituality and nature. My art takes on themes of identity; where I explore areas of childhood, the surreal, mysticism, memories, dreams and fears.

I am interested in history and ownership, how we attach ourselves – and often detach ourselves) –to home, objects and places as a means of healing, or a way to find comfort.

Growing up and experiencing the majority of my life in rural Ireland, aesthetically the natural landscape has inspired my work.

Consciously or not, the magical and fantastical nature will always be apparent in my work, whether it's a literal representation of the natural landscape, or symbolic in the ways I use pattern and light in my creations.

Who or what are your biggest influences?

I AM inspired by the people I meet in my day-to-day life who offer me words of wisdom and remind me of the good things that are happening.

I find that these small interactions are crucial, as they affect how I feel, which inevitably affects the work I make.

However, since I am at home these days, going on walks alone and being in nature would be my biggest muse at the moment, allowing me to capture stillness and silence.

Perhaps the in-flux nature of my internal and external landscape could be considered one of my biggest artistic influences.

Is there a specific place that you do your work? Do you have a studio?

THIS year I am working from my bedroom in Belcoo, but I would usually be in my studio in Belfast. A bedroom studio is better than no studio, and I am grateful that I am able to create from home.

What has been your most ambitious piece, to date?

THAT would be a fine-line drawing commission for the Belfast-based band, Electric Octopus.

I created it by hand, for the inside spread of their vinyl, ‘This Is Our Culture’.

As a massive fan, being asked to do this was one of the most exciting commission pieces, to date.

I was gifted complete creative freedom, which always allows me to create my best work.

What different artistic mediums do you use and which is your favourite?

I WOULD consider myself a mixed-media artist. I like to explore many different materials, such as painting, drawing, clay, textiles, printmaking, video/photography, digital art, poetry and installation.

I can’t choose my favourite – I am always excited to explore new materials. Usually the theme, emotion or idea I am trying to convey results in the medium that I choose.

Do you exhibit your work anywhere?

IN THE past I have exhibited my work at Catalyst Arts and Art Cetera, Belfast and A4 Sounds studio, Dublin. Two of my photography prints from a personal project, entitled ‘Fever Dreams’, are permanently displayed at the Acute Services Block within the Ulster Hospital, Dundonald.

I am working towards exhibiting at my degree show that will take place this June. Usually the exhibition is at the Belfast School of Art, but this year it may be different.

I regularly ‘exhibit’ my work on my Instagram feed (@dreambean.fineart) and on my website, www.caitlingallagherfineart.com.

Any new artistic ventures planned for 2021?

I AM excited for the Spring/Summer months, I plan to continue to make cyanotype prints, AKA ‘sun prints’. I want to explore more with textiles and performance art, as well as focus on the practical approaches of installation and land art.

I would also like to make more prints of my art work. I ran a fundraiser back in June 2020, where I sold 20 prints (of a landscape painting) and all the proceeds went towards Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ Freedom Fund and The Rainbow Project NI.

What are you up to when you aren’t creating art?

USUALLY, travelling is very important to me and going to gigs. I just spent my gap year from university in Toronto, then New York City before the pandemic.

Since returning home, I have spent a lot of time with my dogs, doodling with my niece and listening to psychedelic rock.

When the weather is good, I like to spend the majority of my time going on long walks and listening to podcasts.

What does your art mean to you?

ART is a way to explore self-expression, it allows me to re-conceptualise and communicate past experiences, current issues and future dreams.

Art is in everything I do, whether it’s the way I dress, think or create. I do not limit myself to any materials or mediums because I want to explore all aspects of art without any restrictions because art allows freedom. Art is a conversation. Art is political. Art is a way to heal.