Q. How long did your portrait take to make? Is there anything about the process you’d like to share?
Usually I work quite quickly, not out of intention but out of organic process and to allow the energy I have to play a part in the works I create. Usually this happens through the mark making, creating a sense of movement and energy adding another dimension to the piece. This piece had taken under 2 hours to complete, using a combination of different mediums such as charcoal and graphite to really explore the mark making and again to encourage the energy and looseness within the drawing.
Q. Is there anything about the sitter you’d like to share?
The drawing is of one of my younger sisters Shona, combing my niece Fíadh’s hair. A moment of chaos as Fíadh was only a 1 year old child, incapable of sitting still she’s moving around while Shona struggles to comb her hair. I thought this was such a beautiful memory that I’d like to capture, the sense of movement and mark making so immediate to reflect that moment in time. When I draw or paint someone it’s crucial that I have a connection to that individual, this brings the piece so much more narrative and life.
Q. What is your background with portraiture?
Since a young child I have always been drawn to explore people, through drawing or painting as I feel there is so much to uncover. I believe this started because I grew up being the second oldest of 6 siblings, always having an interest in art I just responded to those that surrounded me.
Q. Where do you take inspiration from?
I take inspiration from the people or spaces surrounding me, I like to evoke thought whilst shining a light on matters that are relevant to us all in this current World that we live in. Touching on what’s real, all things that make us human.
Q. Do you have anything exciting coming up?
I have just finished another solo show, with another approaching in due time that I’ll reveal later! I will have a piece displayed in Dublin, Charlemount square as part of the exhibition Art Riddler 2025, opening on the 16th of October.
