I am an Irish-born artist, and I have been living and working in South Yorkshire for over twenty years. Falling in love with my husband, the love of my life, and raising our four children has shaped every part of who I am, both personally and in my creative practice. Spending my days with my children and seeing their endless enthusiasm for creating, exploring, and experimenting has reawakened a dormant part of myself, hidden since childhood. I began to value process over outcome and to create simply for the joy of making.

I was very fortunate to grow up in rural Ireland, spending much of my time outdoors on my grandad’s farm. Being close to animals and fully immersed in nature was a true privilege. I learned by doing — picking things up, looking closely, and using natural materials as part of play. Lying on the grass and making houses out of dock leaves felt like the most natural thing in the world. These early experiences continue to inform my work; from the materials I select to the themes I explore.

 

Materiality has always been a central part of my practice, particularly my relationship with paper. My love affair with paper began as a child, simply because it was accessible and readily available. Over the years, I have continued to challenge the idea of paper and its uses within my work, experimenting and exploring its many qualities. I enjoy creating art where the paper is no longer immediately recognisable, pushing and manipulating it to find new forms of expression. I am drawn to the physical nature of the material and the many ways it allows me to express myself through making.

 

I was also surrounded by a rich culture of storytelling, myths, and legends. I have fond memories of being in my grandparents' warm kitchen, terrified yet enthralled by the tales my grandad was sharing. I'm curious about the oral tradition, my connection to my ancestors through others' words, and the respect the Irish have for the unseen. These now form part of my practice as I explore them to learn more about myself.