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For as long as I can remember I have always wanted to create. My art teacher at school was a ceramicist and it was his influence that sparked my curiousity for working in 3D

About me

I am an artist based in Warrenpoint, Co. Down. I make metal sculptures using copper, brass, silver and occasionally found objects.  Growing up I loved art and art class was always my favourite time of the week. At secondary school I was blessed with a wonderful art teacher who was a ceramicist and he introduced me to the joy of working in 3D. I was drawn to metal after finishing my foundation year at the National College of Art and Design , Dublin.  I spent the next three years in the metalwork department working towards my degree which I completed in 2001. It was during my final year here that I had the opportunity to visit the hangars at Dublin Airport. This visit had a profound impact on my work.

My inspiration

I was immediately struck by the sheer scale and craftsmanship of the planes. Some of them were stripped back awaiting repair and I sensed a fragility from them that I wanted to explore in my work. The beauty and intricacy of the huge jet engines was completely mesmerising to me. This visit made me look at aeroplanes  in a new light. I wanted to create work that highlighted their beauty and fragility as well as celebrate man's amazing achievements at mastering this feat. I create work inspired by the early pursuits of flight right up to modern day jet planes, satellites and rockets. I use influences from nature such as birds, fish and plant life to bring an organic quality to the work which in turn imbues each piece with it's own personality. 

The way I work

I work intuitively with the metal never sticking rigidly to a preparatory drawing , instead allowing myself to be led by the material. I use thin sheets of copper many of which are repurposed plaques that my late mother worked on. I am grateful for this connection to her through my work. I love experimenting with the metal using heat and hammers and often happy accidents to create colour, form and texture. Detail is a very important to my work and each piece is carefully built up using layer upon layer of intricate detailing which maintains the fragile appearance while at the same time adding support. I am constantly awed by the beautiful colours that copper provides using a variety of methods from heating and quenching to home made patinas. This process is truly out of my control yet it never disappoints.

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My visit to the hangars at Dublin Airport

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I loved watching the metal heat up and was mesmerised by the glow from the solder as it melted. This process still makes my heart flutter today!

Exhibitions

2024

'The Olympians' The Citadel, Dover July

'Artsfest' Belfast, June

'Technicolor Dreams' Espacio Gallery, London, June

'Deja Vu' The Citadel, Dover, April

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2023

New York Art Expo , Online March/ April

'Greater Than' An Táin Arts Centre, Dundalk, March

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2022

'Connective 22' Gallery 13, Drogheda, Co. Louth , July

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2021  

' Surreal' Tebbs Online Art Gallery , London, November

'Keep Calm Creative' Online Gallery, London, October

'The Dreamers' The Holy Art Online Gallery, London, April

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2014

St Vincent's Past Pupils Art Exhibition, Dundalk , November

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​2008

'Us & More' by Bridge Street Studios, County Museum, Dundalk

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2006

Highlanes Gallery Opening Exhibition, Drogheda, 

'Art of Can' Guildhall, Derry

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2002

Blackfort Organics Group Show, Dublin

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2001

Degree Show Exhibition, National College of Art

& Design, Dublin

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Education

1997 - 2001 National College of Art and Design 

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My Home

Since moving to Warrenpoint, overlooking the beautiful Carlingford Lough, I have become very inspired by the sea and have since created a series of boats as well as a seaplane . I am so grateful to be surrounded by such beauty and my daily walks and sometime swims provide a constant source of inspiration and nourishment to me.

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