Rhythms of the Wetlands I

The ‘Wetlands’ Series was born during my artist retreat at the Cill Rialaig Arts Centre in July 2023. The retreat was awarded to the artist by the Cill Rialaig Arts Centre, for a two-week duration to create work in the remote and peaceful setting of Bolus Head, South West Kerry.  The works evolved following months-long investigations into the Wetlands of the Midlands, Lough Boora Discovery Park, Clara Bog Discovery Park and a deep study of the numerous publications by the Irish Peatland Conservation Council.  The bogs provided a wonderful inspiration, being so unique in their flora and fauna, and their natural formations.  Species like the ‘matchstick lichen’, the insect-eating plant the ‘Sundew’ and the vast swathes of ‘sphagnum moss’s provided much inspiration for the artist’s creations ‘The Rhythms of the Wetlands I and ii’ In her artworks, the artist, develops a watery presence over layers of paint washes, which are each allowed to evaporate naturally, before the next layer.  In this way, the artist took the artworks on a journey of numerous shades and tones, allowing for elements to show through the thinner layers applied.  In addition, the artist used very delicate materials like ‘vintage lace’ to symbolize the sphagnum moss and its entangled free-floating, fibers, old knits and gravels to develop textures for the other reeds and vegetation and created ‘spirit-like’ grouping of swans and wading birds. 

‘The Rhythms of the Wetlands i & ii’, were developed in tandem with each other over several weeks, and have a naturalistic evolution from start to finish.