Themes of reflection and realism collide in striking work by an Enniskillen artist

Working in a variety of media, ranging from soft pastels to oil paints, her focus on the theme of reflection is emphasised by her use of gold and silver leaf in many of her works, creating striking visuals.

Here, she talks to The Impartial Reporter about her artistic background, what she is currently working on and what her art means to her.

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

I AM mostly self taught. I did do a BTEC National Extended Diploma in Art and Design at Fermanagh College, but after I finished that I took a different route.

I guess that when I was in my late teenage years, being told that there were no opportunities in art, you start to believe that yourself.

There was no social media back then to promote yourself and your art work, and I think there is a lot more guidance for kids now in careers that they can choose if they want to continue with their art.

After completing my course in Fermanagh College, I entered a degree at Manchester Metropolitan University in International Fashion Marketing.

I quickly realised after my first year that the city life wasn't for me. Being a country girl, I missed the fresh air and slower pace of life, so I returned home.

It wasn't until about two years ago that I started to draw and paint again.

What inspires your art?

EVERYDAY life really inspires my [art], what emotion I may be going through or just simply reading a poem, quote or a saying.

When I post my art [online], I will at times state what inspired the drawing or painting.

Reflection is really inspiring me at the moment also, and I use gold and silver leaf in my drawing and painting to show this.

Who/what are your biggest influences?

MY BEST influences [in] regards to an artist who I look up to would be Gustav Klimt.

I think, like Gustav, I am going through my gold phase in my art.

Gold is a precious metal, and that's how I feel about my paintings and drawings – they are a part of me and so, in return, they are important and precious.

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

I DO have my own room within my home that I use as my studio, and it's my own place of serenity – apart from, on occasions, being disturbed by my three children!

What has been your most ambitious piece, to date?

MY MOST ambitious piece has yet to be produced, as I want to produce bigger pieces of artwork.

So, that is most definitely something I look forward to doing very soon. As soon as Ramseys Picture Framing has their doors open, I will be in to Ken there to enquire about a large canvas!

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

I WORK at the moment mostly with soft pastel, as I love the velvet texture that it creates when painting with them, and how the deep, rich colours blend together.

It is like poetry to me so, to date, it's my favourite method.

I do also love working with oil painting, and you have to start with the dark shadow first then move to light, and it's a very forgiving method because, if you make a mistake, it's just a matter of wiping it away.

I love to learn new skills and use different methods, as I have also used watercolours and acrylic paints.

I am not afraid of making mistakes, as this is where I learn the most.

What are you currently working on?

I AM currently working on a soft pastel painting and, again, it's very much still in line with reflection and [focus on] the female form.

Do you exhibit your work anywhere?

JUST as I was hoping to exhibit my art work somewhere and I was building my profile for this, Covid-19 hit our little corner of the world.

I work a part-time job, and being a key worker, along with my partner, working for the NHS and having to home-school, it wasn't easy.

So my art was my way of escaping and putting how I was feeling on paper.

Any new artistic ventures planned for 2021?

FOR 2021 I hope to exhibit my art work in a public exhibit, as it would be a dream come true for me, but if it doesn't happen this year, I will continue to work hard to make it happen.

WHAT has been your favourite project, to date?

MY FAVOURITE projects for this year so far are, 'Reflection', and 'Red Stag'.

The piece, 'Reflection', shows that we find it hard to look at our reflection, but it's important that we do because we can learn so much.

'Red Stag' again represents reflection, as the sun shines behind him; he shows strength and honour with his head held high.

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

WHEN I am not working my part-time job or in the studio, I am trekking, as I love the outdoors.

How would you describe your artistic style?

MY ART is very much Symbolism, yet with a direction of Realism, but as my skill grows, so will my art and depth.

I have ideas for paintings that I want to show a deeper symbolism.

What does your art mean to you?

MY ART to me is my way of being selfish and a way to express how I am feeling.

When I say it's my way of being 'selfish', it's in a creative way, and not being told what to do, as after all, it's my emotions in my art work, and it gives me a sense of control over them.