my story.
Having grown up overlooking the sea in Inchydoney, West Cork, I now live not far away in Bandon with my husband Phil, our young son Ruadh and two dogs Joey and Rocko. I studied art up to leaving certificate level and then downed my brushes for a number of years to study physiotherapy in UCD. Art had always been quietly running alongside my work in Physiotherapy though. Over time, it became more than a hobby, it became something I wanted to give my full attention to. So after twenty years of working as a physiotherapist, I decided to step back for a while and dedicate myself fully to building a creative life and sharing my work with others.
For many years I painted in oils and acrylics, exploring colour and expression on canvas. But as my style evolved, I found myself drawn towards the simplicity and handmade nature of lino printing. The process of sketching, carving, inking and printing brought together so much of what I loved and creating these pieces felt like finding the medium I’d been searching for.
My journey into lino printing first began in school and later through a course in Cork Printmakers. From there, curiosity took over and much of what I know today has come through experimentation and countless hours spent carving, printing and refining my craft.
I love the process that goes into producing a lino print. Firstly you design and sketch your idea, then you carve your idea into the lino block, and finally you ink and press your block onto paper, revealing your finished print. It is slow detailed work, which I love, with each piece individually printed by hand. I look forwards to continuing my printing journey and exploring where this medium may take me.
