I grew up in the west of Ireland. I left, age 18, to hold a myriad of jobs and addresses until I had my children. First Galway, London, New York, then South County Dublin where I now live. Those earlier years were hectic, action packed and sometimes exhausting. Divorce, financial strain, facing the person who stole part of my soul, I have experienced some challenging periods.
I found my creative path in felt making. And it was working as a fibre Artist, stitch by stitch, layering colours like the seasons, that I mended the broken pieces of the fabric of my life. The pace has settled now and all those muted tones have washed away like the tide.
‘Songs of change’ came at the right time for me. As a part-time nurse and Artist, Covid brought its own challenges. Connection to people and my Art is vital to my happiness. I wasn’t too caught up in thinking about “where is this going?” I just enjoyed the process.
We gave ourselves “cowboy names”, we dreamt in colour, I became obsessed with indigo and Prussian Blue. I restarted sea swimming. The work started to seep into my everyday life. I saw blue in everything. I was happy to allow myself to play, engage, share and grow. I was happy to remember.
Connection. Engagement with the Arts from the comfort and safety of my home. At a difficult time, it made my life richer.