My creative work before I began my degree in Contemporary Applied Art in MTU Crawford College of Art and Design (CCAD), was largely in textiles. I first completed the Special Purpose Award in Textiles in CCAD before entering the degree program. Into my studies, I brought my fascination with materials which I explored further in my degree show. That the materials used in my work went from wool and thread to glass and metal felt very natural. I discovered that it is the physicality of the work that drives me. My hands recall every piece of wool I used. My body retains the memory of manipulating the metal. When I look at the glass in my degree show, I can feel the movements I made intuitively to place the paint where it needed to be. It was to another form of physicality that I turned to for the theme for my degree show. I wanted to communicate the physical and emotional effects of living with social anxiety, and how it explains my relationship to the world as an adult. The genesis for this work came from my research for my fourth year thesis, The Virtual Grasp: electric light as a sculptural medium from 1900 to 1970. In exploring how artists first began to use light sculpturally, I saw how the use of space in art changed. This led me to examine my experience of the space around me. To examine the tension I feel while negotiating the outside world, and my discomfort with social situations, I took inspiration from urban landscapes, finding beauty and comfort in the sharp lines of architecture. I created my own space using metal and glass. I continue to be inspired in my work to explore what I consider to be beautiful in this world rather than making something beautiful. In May 2024 I won the Glass Society of Ireland award of notable mention for excellence in glass. In addition, part of this work will be included in the SEE exhibition in the James Barry gallery in Bishopstown, Cork, opening in September 2024.
