- About
- Artwork
- Biography
- Book of the Sea
- Contact
- Memory as Landscape – A Workshop
- The Eagle People
- The Reverie Tree – A Workshop
- The Whistling Isles Project
Surface Gallery
I am thrilled that my artwork has sold at Surface Gallery exhibition in Nottingham, which ran between January and February 2026 🎨
It was wonderful to share space with beautiful work from around the world!
International Postcard Show
Delighted to have two little pieces in this special exhibition at the Surface Gallery in Nottingham!
(January – February 2026)
Homiens Art Prize
Being highly commended in the Homiens Art Prize Summer 2025 has been such a meaningful experience for me. To know that my work resonated within such a strong field of artists feels quietly affirming. Thank you so much to the jurors for this wonderful opportunity and platform. My practice is deeply tied to memory, landscape and inherited stories. It is a journey that I love to share with others. Since childhood, art has carried me into imaginary worlds that continue to shape how I see and feel. This recognition encourages me to continue trusting that process, to stay immersed in creating and sharing. I am very grateful for this recognition and honoured to be part of the Homiens community!
Seasons Greetings!
i hope you are having a wonderful holiday season.
From my home to yours, Happy Christmas 🙏✨🎉🎄🤗🎁
Daydream
There was such a lovely gathering at the Ulster Museum for the Royal Ulster Academy’s Varnishing Day on 18th October.
i am absolutely thrilled that ,’The Gardener’ sold before the exhibition opened to the public!
Thank you SO much to the RUA, the Ulster Museum and all involved for an absolutely wonderful weekend.
Belfast, I will be back soon!
The Art Of Stortelling
During the summer we shared stories while creating art on the farm. We were often asked if we would facilitate a group for adults….well, this is it! This little workshop called ‘The Reverie Tree’ is for adults, parents, carers and life explorers to share stories through art….to create a story book with words and art, one we can continue to grow.and embellish! We will used mixed media and just have fun being creative. No experience is necessary! All tools are supplied. This is about exploring the stories within and giving them wings! Inspired by the William Butler Yeats’ poem, ‘Before The World Was Made’ and part of The Imagine Arts Festival, this little workshop, which takes place at St Patrick’s Gateway Centre, Waterford is free 🎉💖🌸🏠🎨.
Art and Food
A little throwback to the Palette x Palate Exhibition at the gorgeous Old Bank in Dungarvan, County Waterford earlier this year…Curated by the wonderful artist, Luana Asiata, this was such a memorable event. Peeping through on the top left is ‘Driftwood Cove’ collage ☀️🎨🪻🦋🏠🌸
An Chéad Tine – Second Annual
It was such a lovely evening at An Chéad Tine, Kilkenny for the opening of the gallery’s second annual exhibition. I am delighted to be sharing two pieces of artwork in this beautiful exhibition, which runs until 4th November. Thank you so much Louise Cherry for selecting my work. I am thrilled to be sharing space with such incredible artists. Thank Mary Doyle Burke, Marco di Sante and Niamh Curry for all your hard work in putting together this wonderful exhibition. I was in such great company last night, made new friends and got to enjoy beautiful art. This piece, titled ‘The Coast Road’ is one of two. The Second, ‘The Lake at Eventide’ is a bit smaller!
The Reverie Tree
I am so excited to be facilitating The Reverie Tree during October’s @imagineartsfestival_ in Waterford city.
Taking inspiration from the beautiful poem by William Butler Yeats’, ‘Before The World Was Made’, we will be exploring dreams and storytelling at St Patrick’s Gateway Centre in the city 
If I make the lashes dark
And the eyes more bright
And the lips more scarlet,
Or ask if all be right
From mirror after mirror,
No vanity’s displayed:
I’m looking for the face I had
Before the world was made.
What if I look upon a man
As though on my beloved,
And my blood be cold the while
And my heart unmoved?
Why should he think me cruel
Or that he is betrayed?
I’d have him love the thing that was
Before the world was made.
Royal Ulster Academy
I am thrilled to have been selected as a participating artist in the RUA’s 144th Annual!
The exhibition begins mid-October at the Ulster Museum in Belfast.
From 19th October until January, it is open to the public.
Goodbye August
Such a dramatic weather day….all seasons in one afternoon with August pulling out all the stops for this year’s farewell…
The Farm Gallery
14th July 2025
The Farm Gallery at Cullenagh Stables has found a physical as well as a virtual home!
The old hen house is being transformed into a studio gallery, whose doors have already opened to our social farming participants.
Nestled in a corner of the old farmyard and surrounded by fields and forests, this beautiful light-filled space shares stories with the neighbouring grain houses, believed to have been built in the late 1700’s. If only the walls could talk! -But, hey, very soon they will in their own unique way!
The Farm Gallery, which is close to the River Dawn, overlooks Waterford Greenway, a walking and cycle path that stretches between Waterford city and Dungarvan town. There is direct access to the farm from Waterford Greenway.
I am really looking forward to welcoming visitors to the gallery and to sharing art in person.
Lifting An Cloch Bán
The ancient Celtic tradition of lifting the stone is receiving more national (and international) media coverage, which is so wonderful!
Here is a link to great piece about An Cloch Bán. Written by Conor Heffernan, who discusses the recent event in County Waterford, it includes a link to an interview with strongman and folklorist, David Keohan for RTE Radio 1’s Nine O’Clock Show.
Art In The Gardens
It was such a lovely evening at Mount Congreve Gardens for the official opening of Paint Waterford.
The exhibition is a celebration of the beautiful County Waterford countryside.
The opening weekend is also a celebration of the stunning work of Irish artist Eamon Coleman after his year-long residency at Mount Congreve Gardens. Eamon’s work will be on exhibition in The Peach House (Walled Garden) at Mount Congreve.
I am so grateful to Artform Dunmore East and artist Dave West for selecting my artwork, ‘Beneath The Signal Tower, Ardmore‘ for the summer exhibition.
Thank you so much Big Look Art for doing such an amazing job curating!
I met so many lovely people tonight and got to see such beautiful artwork.
I really liked Dave West’s reflections on the relationship between art and poetry and how our connection with the landscape weaves its own unique story.
The Summer Exhibition runs from late May until September 2025.
For updates on Art in the Gardens at Mount Congreve Gardens in Waterford see Artform IG and FB @artformdunmoreeast. With any queries please contact info@artform.ie.
Fun!
Raise the Stone
Delighted to be sharing spoken word at this wonderful event on Sunday, 18th May – a celebration of culture, heritage, unity and strength. Here is a link to more information!
Creating with Nature
There was a great gathering at An Chéad Tine Gallery on 10th May. It was a lovely special night with an amazing bunch of people. Memories are made of such times!
Art Inspired by Food
The Palette x Palate Exhibition at The Old Bank has been extended! It is now running until the end of June.
Overlooking picturesque Dungarvan Harbour, The Old Bank is serving delicious food and Beautiful art!
Material, Message, Method
Delighted to be part of this wonderful event, which is hosted by An Chéad Tine Gallery and Studios to celebrate sustainable art and showcase the work of artists exploring sustainability in material, message and method.
Curated by Mary Doyle Burke, the event is part of Living Earth Rising Bealtaine Festival, in partnership with National Diversity Week and Kilkenny County Council.
I will be sharing two nature inspired poems during the exhibition, which opens next Saturday at 5pm at An Chéad Tine Gallery.
There will be spoken word poetry from 6pm, with refreshments served during the evening!.
There will also be a series of workshops taking place across the two weeks, facilitated by selected artists.
Artist Paul Bolsag will also open the art show at The Butler Gallery at 3pm.
If you can make it to Kilkenny, it would be wonderful to see you and meet you!
The Old Bank
‘Amongst the Rockweed’ is at The Old Bank!
Inbetweens
Palette x Palate
Discover Art Inspired by Food at ‘Palette x Palate’!
Join us at the @theoldbank.dungarvan from 19 April to 24 May for a unique art experience that celebrates food and creativity to coincide with @waterfordfestivaloffood . Featuring international and local artists, this exhibition offers something for every art lover.
Don’t miss the Artists’ Evening on 24 April from 7-9pm—meet the creators and enjoy a drink while exploring stunning works in three different rooms.
Royal Hibernian Academy
I was so delighted to have been pre-selected. It makes me more determined than ever to keep creating and sharing!
Rewilding
Created in Autumn 2024 with Adam, this is a little of the home that I share with so much wildlife. It is in the County Waterford countryside on the banks of the River Dawn. The riverside is home to bird families that include ducks, robins and a heron, who, from the Weir Path, can be seen rising magnificently into the sky.
Group Exhibition
You are very welcome to the launch of Artform at The Dunmore, a group exhibition in the Beautiful setting of an art restaurant 🎨
I am very grateful to be one of the artists sharing in this exhibition, which will continue until June 2025💖💖
San Luis
Were you somewhere in-between
Fast asleep, a flying dream…?
The Country’s Sunrise – by Isabella
I have fallen in love with this beautiful poem about sunrise.
All I know about the author is her first name. Thank you, Isabella.
I want to drive him to the country and sit in the silence like dew.
And listen to the grass-stained hills take little sips of air.
And listen to the rooster’s gasp for the light of the rising sun.
I want him to feel this – this Texas.
Where the crickets croak eternal
and the cayotes call confused to country dogs like the wild.
I want to drive him to the country and weep excess tears
down our cold, city scathed cheeks
in rhythm with the birds as they sing their morning songs –
and swoon each other awake.
Who will swallow the worm as prey?
And you’ll hear them say:
maybe it isn’t so much about all you do and do and do?
and the sun’s lips share the same message,
but only to the few who know a Texas country morning
like a well-kept secret:
whose cups catch the cows stretching when they wake.
I want to drive him to the country and cry
and decide what life is like in synchronous solitude
with her timelessness
Singing of Dawn’s baby yawn –
the sound of her silence a sweet surprise.
Her fingertips linger
on each blade, on each bend, on each bug and tree.
I want him to understand the longing in each whistle and tune –
for country cravings aren’t satisfied with one lover’s hand,
but imbued with the light touch of a million–
all abundant in each drop of river and pond.
And when he sees the shadow of fences lining pasture walls
and reflecting on the wet ground,
we’ll turn on the engine and drive away.
The day will forget, with its ever-searching eyes,
what it saw in that morning sky.
But the body will remember – as it does
with each kiss, with each touch and scent,
sweet, sweet Texas will whisper her fingertips full of song –
and the birds will sing, and the worms will whine,
and the dew will drip as your senses will rise.
The Picture Window at Sunrise
Horizon Line
..there has been a single blue line of crayon drawn across a wall in every house…
(picture – from a visit to Tramore, County Waterford)
Several years ago, a team of psychologists led by Takahiko Masuda analysed artwork from across East Asian and Western cultures, with particular focus on paintings created between the 16th and 18th centuries.
Masuda was looking to measure something in particular – the height of the horizon line. What emerged was that the horizon line in East Asian art was repeatedly higher.
Masuda maintained that the placement of the horizon in a piece of art is a doorway to exploring the social construction of the artist’s culture.
A high horizon line means that the field of information is deep, with greater room for contextual details.
The visual layout of Western art allows for less background space and the arrangement of one or two objects in the foreground, indicating that Western culture is more marked by logical thinking and analytical reasoning. This points to a culture placing responsibility for the creation of events in the world in the hands of its individuals.
The visual layout of East Asian art highlights a holistic reflective style. In sharing more background elements, East Asian art is less focused on one or two particular objects, indicating a belief that various external forces beyond the control of individuals are responsible for the occurrence of events within society.
The same team of psychologists took their research to schools in both Canada and Japan and asked children to create a piece of visual art.
The experiment reflected the team’s earlier findings – Japanese children’s (and adults’) art is more context rich, while the art of their Western counterparts focuses more on singular objects in the foreground.
collages by Japanese children (L) & Canadian children (R)
Sources:
Senzaki, S., Masuda, T., & Nand, K. (2014) Holistic versus analytic expressions in artworks: Cross-cultural differences and similarities in drawings and collages by Canadian and Japanese school-age children. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 45(8), 1297-1316
Masuda, T., Gonzales, R., Kwan, L., & Nisbett, R.E. (2008) Culture and aesthetic preference: Comparing the attention to context of East Asians and Americans. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 34(9), 1260-1275
Salt Water Reflections
Ambling through spaces and places, whose histories are re-imagined, it is the artist shaking up the old, repositioning the lens and building a story inspired by purposeful drifting to create and explore new worlds.
The beauty of the journey is that the familiar is refurbished while we engage aesthetically with what is seen and felt. It is a reminder that knowledge and beauty are best experienced through exploring the stories echoing within before they are lovingly given wings.
Abandoned Mines
An archipelago of silver lakes, phosphoresecent rain puddles stretch like stepping stones along the cliff edge. Thinly traced lines link old mining villages of the Copper Coast. Fringing steep precipices above the Atlantic, we nervously edge past mine shafts and crumbling walls. Rumours of an ancient church keep us searching for imprints upon stones tumbling towards the sea.
Imagined lakes
Of copper and silver
Scattered fragments
Frozen in time
Shallow tunnels
To vanished worlds
Whisper in colour
As light drowns earth
(from a walk along the Copper Coast, County Waterford, Ireland, where a metal mining industry flourished in the mid 19th century)
Reframing
There is a certain emotional comfort associated with train travel – it takes us on a time recorded journey inside a capsule weaving its way from place to place. With greater opportunity for reflection, the internal film can be juxtaposed with external images and sounds. The framed landscape at our shoulder affords us the space to repaint and reframe the internal one.
Happy New Year 2025
As the festive season grinds to a halt, memories are given room to breathe in that in-between space between winter and spring. It is that bittersweet lull. We have time to think, re-group, make plans, write resolutions, hit the re-set button and, yes, just breathe. I have to remind myself a lot this time of year that the greatest joys can be the simplest – evenings by the fire creating, dreaming, sharing memories…holding them up to the golden light…letting them breathe.
Remembering…(childhood)
Early adventures were confined to the farmyard, where we’d gallop on sticks around the silage barn. The outbuildings with their ramshackle windows and half doors were street houses brimming with hustle and bustle, and the haggart, a market square that held us securely inside its crumbling walls.
As we grew, the river became a sea we’d cross with makeshift rafts to explore the wet splinter of woodland on the horizon. With rope strings, we’d swing into its heartland and make safe caves under fallen branches.
We ached for the intimacy of the city, where friends were just a skip and jump away instead of across fields and over barbed wire fences. We longed to blend into the milieu of sameness, where our country words and ways dissolved into the ether and we became just like everyone else.
Midwinter💛
At Kilfarrasy Beach this evening, the Solstice Sun was Bright and Beautiful, and the Sea extra Shimmery.
Happy Solstice!
Apricity: the warmth of sun in winter
Wild Horses
Creating a collage feels very much like piecing together memories of worlds and experiences, of bringing buried fragments to the light.
There is a profound relationship between art and healing. Healing is ever pervading. The world is in a constant state of mending, and we are always being called to creatively participate in this process – to hold up a mirror, to share our likenesses, our frailties, our truths.
When working with horses in a therapeutic setting, there is a lot of mirroring involved. The horse instinctively mirrors the participant in order to develop a safe relationship with them. The participant in turn comes to recognise their own behaviours, and the journey towards greater self-knowledge begins.
The following is a set of excerpts from a short story about returning home and re-igniting the feelings of connection with the natural world. It was written between 2017 and 2018.
….
Set alight by paradisiacal sunsets, the hamlet reached into the ocean, its wild meadows shaping New York’s most eastern tip.
Beneath the dunes, we had learned to taste freedom as readily available as the fragrance of salt and pine, while following ancient trails worn down by Montaukett fishermen.
When winter burned into the windblown hamlet, horses were pulled in from the moors, while snow ploughs cut paths through the thick blanket that subermerged the surrounding towns.
The train curled around the coast and under the rolling hills of the Paumanok Path, its trail markers pointing ever onwards. Gliding through the heartland, alongside half-timbered houses and villages bearing cryptic names, a ghostly whistle sliced the night before we barrelled through a tunnel and Long Island disappeared from sight.
The city stretched beneath us, a canvas of smudged neon lights slowly dimming to blackness as the plane climbed into the sky.
Suspended between worlds, we flew ever deeper into the darkness before the first amber rays warmed the sky and early risers watched the pale streaks of light cut through the clouds, setting them ablaze.
Stories whistled in the morning breeze. I felt them sting my face as I walked through crunching puddles.
The brook crept along the edge of the grove before hurtling over limestone rocks, while the farmyard emerged ghostlike from the mist, its outbuildings dutifully returning to life.
From behind haggart walls, cows stretched their heads over barn gates tied up with orange twine, and the chestnut mare that my grandmother said has wild eyes stared back at me from behind the ramshackle half door.
Chalybeate
9th November 2024
The following is a re-sharing of my poem, ‘Chalybeate’. The Dawn River merges with the spa well at Cullenagh, Kilmeaden.
Do truths find their way home? Are there imprints left behind from centuries before, when smoke and steel drove paths beneath amaranthine skies, through rolling forests ablaze with oranges and golds?
The spa well spills its secrets into the pools of colour collecting in the millrace and along the weir and in the trout streams.
In the shadow of a blasting furnace, iron water was collected by the bucketload and pilgrims soaked in the chalybeate spring.
The Gorthaclode Spa was hailed as miraculous before events and circumstance dissolved a ritual into history and stories were hidden in the rivers and streams.
Does a landscape summon its stories home? Does an element return to its source over and over?
Sitting along a pathway at Gorthaclode are wagons loaded with steel shackles waiting patiently for an old railroad to return to life.
Sharing a history with the crystalline rock birthed in the soil and pulled home by the lodestone buried in the hills, is this celestial metal merely finding its way home and are we merely the transporters?
Trá na mBó
9th November 2024
The following is a re-sharing of my little piece about The Secret Beach.
There is a path that wraps around cliffs stretching above the village of Bonmahon before spiralling downwards to the ‘secret beach’ of Trá na mBó.
There is beauty in the imperfection of this image. It evokes a feeling, a memory of being cushioned by daisies, while the sun smoulders through a thin haze.
The Secret Beach
The way to Trá na mBó curves around cliff tops that drop spectacularly into foam.
Mine adits pay homage to a region’s storied past, while daisies lighten the path.
A string of photos shares its stories, just like perfume and sea spray.
-And, sometimes, an imperfect image denotes a perfect day.
With their bright colours and smudged postmark portals, they were miniature works of art, whose albums we’d file meticulously on library shelves. They shared space with adventure novels and worn out encyclopedias personalised with crayon signatures.
On the top shelf was an antique sewing box, its contents an assortment of postcards and letters stack tied with string. The faded ink with its neat curls contained stories we knew not to read.
Éabha Róis 