Fermanagh artist uses shell art to reset mind and body

Originally from a small village near Liverpool, Paula moved to Fermanagh in 2004 with her husband, Matt, to a rural farmhouse on the Fermanagh/Clones Border, overlooking the Finn river.

Here Paula talks to The Impartial Reporter about her artistic background, her most ambitious piece, to date, and what her art means to her.

A shell scape in chunky black frame.

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

Since I was a little girl I loved to create. Always armed with scissors, paint and glue, I would paint and craft everywhere I went.

This obsession has never left me and through a lifetime of creating I have developed my unique style of shell art influenced by my love of the stunning Irish coast and my passion for conservation, reducing my [environmental] footprint and recycling.

Arch top Mirror featuring a giant nautilus shell and irish scallops.

What inspires your art?

The stunning Irish coast is my passion and the inspiration for my work; I love exploring this beautiful island.

Conservation is vital to secure our future planet and I like to use my work to raise awareness of how important caring for our oceans are, reducing plastic waste and recycling everyday items.

I clean the beaches weekly, and I use the shells, sea glass and beach finds in my work.

Mirrors, lighting and homewares destined for landfill are given a luxury makeover to turn them into treasured items again.

Coastal creations giant coral mirror with shell staircase in reflection.

Who/what are your biggest influences?

The 17th Century extravagant shell grottos and 18th Century shell artist Mary Delany, along with modern day shell artists Blott Kerr Wilson and Katherine Lloyd.

Traditional sailors Valentine jewellery box featuring purple shell flowers and shell legs.

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

I have a studio at my home in Fermanagh and I also have a second studio by Rossnowlagh in Donegal. My studio is stacked with thousands of shells and it keeps the beach with me, even when it's 50 miles away! I also class the beach as 'my outdoor studio'.

Huge five arm shell chandelier weighing 12kg featuring thousands of shells.

What has been your most ambitious piece, to date?

A shell chandelier weighing a huge 10kg, using thousands of shells, and a shell-encrusted staircase are my biggest pieces, to date, but I have started a mega project this year which will be the biggest ever.

Shell frames in three different colour themes.

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

I still occasionally paint in acrylics but my shell art is my favourite media.

Sea shells, sea urchins, sea glass, crystals and raw natural products feel wonderful to handle and keep me grounded. I feel the ocean isn’t far away when I’m holding one of its treasures.

Blue coral bathroom feauting scallops, pink urchins, white conch shells and lots of vintage blue coral.

What are you currently working on?

An outdoor project. It's challenging, with the current weather, but it will feature two large shellscape walls and a shell door frame with matching window pediments.

I have also started working on a ceramics range using hand-thrown clay and coral and urchin accents, due to be ready for the summer.

Round Irish scallop mirror with pink urhins and green trocas.

Do you exhibit your work anywhere?

My website exhibits all my creations at www.coastalcreationsireland.com, but I am opening a new gallery in April.

It will only be open at weekends but will be open most days throughout the summer. I have also exhibited in Monaghan and given talks about ocean conservation.

Any new artistic ventures planned for 2022?

My new gallery will be the main focus of 2022 but I do hope to do a couple of commissions in commercial premises.

I would love to do a shell bar/counter or feature wall in a restaurant or bar – watch this space!

Shell encrusted staircase.

What has been your favourite project, to date?

My favourite project was the staircase, using real amethyst, ammonites, giant shells and a great bright range of colours.

I also really enjoyed the blue coral bathroom. Coral is so rare to source, it was a really fun project to work with 10 kilos of blue coral in a large mirror and coordinating border around the room.

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

Enjoying time at the beach, of course! I enjoy ocean swims, surfs and walks with my ‘beach babe’ friends, my two teenage boys, and four rescue dogs.

I collaborate weekly with fellow artist Michelle (Camlake Canvas) and we explore new beaches and enjoy sunset swims, walks and coastal photography to inspire our art.

Paula pictured at fairy bridges Bundoran with Ellie her 12 year springer spaniel.

How would you describe your artistic style?

Ocean-inspired eclectic and expressive, yet methodical. I freestyle my pieces but I love symmetry and attention to detail.

I like my customers to enjoy their pieces, to study them and find new details and hidden features in each piece.

Indian summer mirror with colourful orange accents.

What does your art mean to you?

I work with materials I am passionate about, and I feel this passion is evident in every piece I make. My art is not just a way to express myself, it’s a way to reset my mind and body, and creates the same serenity I get when I’m at the beach.