Mental Health Art Exhibition

I began my art career studying Graphic Design and Interior Design in Galway but didn't find my passion until completing a portfolio course in Cavan IT then going on to receive my B. A in Fine art in Sligo It. As a student I exhibited in both ceramics and painting in Sligo, Carrick on Shannon and as far as England. 

My approach to art has always stemmed from emotion response. Whether the material is political, abstract, skyscape the initial concept is usually based in an emotional trigger. My approach to painting is usually mixed media, painting, drawing, sewing, even collage usually make an appearance in all of my finished pieces. 

As a mother of four my art work has taken a back seat of late. I started this piece as an exercise but it became a piece in its own right. While working on this bodhran our group of friends experienced a sudden loss a friend took their own life. Seeing the fall out of such a heart breaking event on some of my closest friends experiencing this loss, the sadness, seeing them struggle to adjust, to grieve, it felt hopeless and confusing. My natural response is to create, by creating I self sooth my emotions. In this case, it has resulted in a therapeutic expression that I hope speaks of the power of healing but also to celebrate a friendship we have lost.