My paintings are built up using stencilling, glazing and sanding. I begin by stencilling images and imprinting textures using organic and synthetic materials to create interesting surfaces. These surfaces are then sanded back and areas of flatter colour applied to create contrast. I repeat this process with a number of paintings at one given time until the shape of the painting starts to unfold. I then begin to consciously pull out a composition referencing images I have collected.
There is a pull between the unconscious natural mark making and the conscious pulling out of form that I fight back and forth with. My aim is to find a balance between abstraction and representation. I am interested in natural and man-made environments; and play with juxtaposition and scale. I like to leave the narrative open-ended to create an atmosphere of mystery and engage the viewer with his own interpretations.
Exhibitions
Solo Exhibitions
- Cross Gallery, Dublin 2014
- Cross Gallery, Dublin 2011
- Cross Gallery, Dublin 2007
- Cross Gallery, Dublin 2005
- “Beauty and the Beasts”, Kunsthall Gallery No. 5, Bergen, Norway, 2004
- Ashford Gallery, Royal Hibernian Academy, 2004
Group Exhibitions
- “Finding Forms” Two Person Show, Cross Gallery 2016
- “The Enhanced Eye” Group Show, Catherine Hammond Gallery, 2015
- “Cluster” Cross Gallery, 2012
- “Stalkers in the Landscape”,Cross Gallery, 2012
- Wexford Arts Festival, 2010
- Boyle Arts Festival, 2009
- Lavitt Gallery, Cork, 2009
- Wexford Arts Festival, 2008
- “Confessions of a Tiger”, Brick Lane Gallery, London, 2008
- “The Plinian sponge”, Ashford Touring Exhibition, 2008
- McBride Gallery, Killarney, 2007
- RHA Gallagher Gallery, Annual Show, 2007
- RHA Gallagher Gallery, Annual Show, 2006
- “Visit” Dublin City Studios open day show, 2006
- “End of Year Painting Show”, Ashford Gallery, Dublin, 2005
- “Moment in Time”, Temple Bar Gallery, Dublin, 2005
- Eigse Arts Festival (invited artist), Carlow, 2005
- RHA Gallaher Gallery, Annual Show (invited artist), Dublin, 2005
- “Full Circle”, Temple Bar Gallery, Dublin, 2004
- “8x8x8″, Basement Gallery, Dundalk, 2004
- “8x8x8”, Mermaid Gallery, Co.Wicklow, 2004
- “8x8x8”, Toradgh Gallery, Co.Meath, 2004
- Mulingar Arts Centre, Mulingar, 2004
- 50/50, Group show, Temple Bar Galleries, Dublin, 2003
- “Multiple Choice”, Brunswick Mill/Stoneybatter Annual Show, Dublin, 2003
- An Grinnan, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, 2003
- RHA Gallagher Gallery, Annual Show, 2003
- Appleloft Gallery, Summer Show, Easkey, Co. Sligo, 2003
- 20/20, Temple Bar Galleries, Dublin, 2002
- “Heaven and Earth”, Rubicon Gallery, Dublin, 2002
- “Trespass”, Brunswick Mill/Stoneybatter Annual Show, Dublin, 2002
- Cross Gallery, Two Person Show, Dublin, 2002
- Oireachtas, Dublin, 2002
- Brunswick Mill, Dunamaise Centre for the Arts, Portlaoise, 2002
- Eigse Arts Festival, Carlow, 2002
- RHA Gallagher Gallery, Annual Show, 2002
- “Tracks”, Brunswick Mill/Stoneybatter Annual Show, Dublin, 2001
- Eigse Arts Festival, Carlow, 2001
- Brunswick Mill Studio, Appleloft Gallery, Easkey, Co. Sligo, 2001
- Cross Gallery,Three Person Show Dublin, 2001
VIEW FULL LIST OF EXHIBITIONS
Awards
- Winner of the Golden Fleece Award 2007
- Evans K&M Painting Award 2005
- Invited Artist at Carlow Arts Festival 2005
- Invited Artist at Cill Rialaig 2004
- Arts Council Travel and Mobility Award, 2004
- Shortlisted for the Hennessy Craig Travel Award, 2003
- Arts Council Bursary, 2001
Collections
- Office of Public Works
- Louth County Council
- Carlton House
- Axa Ireland
Reviews
- The Irish Times, June 2016, by Aidan Dunne
- The Irish Independent, March 2014, by Niall MacMonagle
- Le Cool, March 2011, by Steve Doogan
- The Examiner, March 2007
- The Irish Arts Review, June 2007
- Bergens Tidende, November 2004, by Finn Bjorn Tonder
- The Irish Times, July 2004, by Aiden Dunne
- The Sunday Times, July 2004, by Catherine Leen
- Hot Press Magazine, July 2004
- Laois Nationalist, February 2002
- The Irish Times, November 2001 by Sue Carter
- The Irish Times, July 2001, by Aiden Dunne
- Sligo Weekender, June 2001
- The Arts Bulletin, May 2001
- Publication of Thesis for “Thoughlines 5”, 2000
- In Dublin Magazine, February 2001 by Morgan Feely