Linda is an Irish Artist specialising in painting. She is inspired by nature and of the ever-changing Landscape. A Graduate of Art & Design, Textiles and Embroidery in NCAD, Linda has a passionate eye for detail, capturing light, texture and colour which brings her work alive. The landscape and nature around her are a constant inspiration and she loves to bring the joy and romance she feels when a scene touches her to paint.
A LITTLE BIT ABOUT ME , MY YOUNGER SELF
Art was always part of my life since a young child, it was always “a place I could go, to feel happy, confident and at peace”. Having undiagnosed Dyslexia made school very hard as teachers back then didn't understand it and the difficulties, anxieties I faced hourly and especially around exam time. I had an extraordinary Art teacher and she was so good to me, the sense of relief I felt when I walked through her classroom door was incredible, this is my happy place.
My art teacher was my guru; she gave me a sense of accomplishment and I knew I had it but she made me feel I could celebrate it. I knew nothing was going to get in my way to be a creative person and go to study in art college. Having the support of my parents and my Father who was a talented artist and cartographer also help me believed in myself. I worked so hard to get my portfolio ready and yet I struggled to get the Leaving Cert results needed.
However, with grit and determination , I got there in the end.
College life was fun and yes it was a dream to be in that environment but I think I was very naïve. I focused initially on painting and then turning these into textiles and I specialised in embroidery, loving the fabrics and textures. I naively never thought how difficult life as an artist would be, maybe that was a blessing in a funny way. College definitely opened my mind to a world of creativity but, upon leaving, I realised I hadn’t been prepared for the real world. I ended working in many job types, retail, graphic design and window display. I grew further as an artist and enjoyed employment with an Irish company painting murals and artwork.
These were some of the best times, working alongside other artist and friends.
ART IS PART OF MY DNA
Art has played a constant role as I went on with my life. Art has always been there to help me through those challenge’s life brings and I am so grateful to have that outlet there to tap into when I needed it. As a mother and a carer, I have has always brought my art and skill set into those roles. It was a wonderful part of my tool box, I am always tapping into not just for myself but for others around me too. As a professional artist I have worked in fields such as graphic design and window display. I have completed private commissions for different clientele, including going back to my roots in Textiles. One of these commissions took me back to my textile and embroidery roots when I was commissioned to create a large Wall Hanging depicting an image of St. Colmcille by the Secondary School which bears his name, in Knocklyon.
It hangs proudly in its Entrance Hall.
In the last few years I have been a regular exhibitor showcasing my work in some of Dublin’s outdoor exhibitions including Stephens Green, Dun Laoighaire and the Première RDS Artsource 2022. I’m excited to be working on new artworks for this year’s Artsource Exhibition, November 2023. I really enjoy meeting and talking with the public about my work, receiving great feedback. These exhibitions have been a wonderful experience and success for me, and I especially enjoy engaging with the public face to face. I feel my passion is to make art and continue to work with the public and I believe that art should be accessible to all.
DEEP CONNECTIONS
These past few years have been so exciting travelling, having lots of adventures and visiting new places in Ireland where I feel alive as a creative person. The natural beauty of our country can never be exhausted for me and every turn seems to bring a fresh view that waits to be captured.
I have always been inspired by the landscape and especially the ocean. Ireland is my home but I feel such a deep connection to its past and none more so as I feel in my visits to Achill island off the coast of County Mayo. I have been there for many visits now as a tourist and an artist. The purest feeling of pause and breath as you drive across the bridge, lots of people say this about being on an island . Achill islands landscape, its vast skies, the wild seas, the people, I have a love and deep connection there.
As many artist seem to have a gra to stay here as one of my favourite artists Paul Henry said
'“I took my return ticket to London out of my pocket and tore it into small pieces and scattered it into the sea”.
I am enjoying the time I spend there both in person and behind the canvas trying to portray what I feel and see there.
I have a collection of pieces and will continue to work on paintings from the Island.
EXCITING TIMES AHEAD
I’m working on some larger pieces and continuing to challenge myself with different brush techniques and mark making all to see how I can interpret the sun, its light and how it changes everything.
I am continuing to work on the landscapes, seascapes where I try evoke the calm and beauty on my many walks with my dogs.
This again is my happy place where I don’t think, I feel .
