This body of painting work is an introspective and idiosyncratic commentary on the contemporary world. It unveils ironic humour in the societal expectations imposed on women and the oxymorons that surround our everyday lives.
With a diagnosis of endometriosis in 2015 with dysmenorrhea and mittelschmerz, this is a very personal research project. Up to 50% of women with infertility have endometriosis and it is a taboo topic to openly discuss sexual health. The frustration of no cure and often unrealistic expectations from doctors to urgently conceive motivates the work.
The ability to adopt humour can challenge adversity. The bright themes bring a sarcastic comedic spin to a dark subject matter. The colourful and playful imagery is a satirical illusion of happiness and reflect an inner maternal turmoil.
Figures with balaclavas and buckets on their heads reappear throughout the paintings; they serve as a maternal instinct to protect and provide optimism in a rather bleak world. The façade of infantile themes conceals morally weighted concepts.
When Were You Planning? Oil and acrylic on stretched canvas, 190 x 150 x 5cm
The Transaction. Oil on stretched canvas, 30 x 25 x 2cm
Unstable Moses. Oil on stretched canvas, 51 x 40 x 4cm
A Series of Distractions. Oil on stretched canvas, 16 x 18 x 3cm
Loud Disgruntling. Mixed media wall installation. Left to right: The Dictonomy of Ducks. Oil on stretched canvas, 40 x 40 x 2cm; A Retaliation Painting. Oil on primed board, 20 x 25cm; Professional Folly. Oil on stretched canvas, 40 x 30 x 2cm; Do You Like my Children? Oil on stretched window blind, 45 x 35 x 2cm
Left to right: How a Bee Flies. Oil on panel, 20 x 25 cm; Fragility. Oil on panel, 25 x 30cm; A Ram Eating a Banana. Oil on wood, 20 x 22.5 x 2cm
This is Reality. Oil on canvas, 40 x 40 x 2cm
Left to right: Do You Like my Children? Oil on canvas, 45 x 35 x 2cm; Your Baby is Ugly. Oil on canvas, 40 x 30 x 2cm
In the studio
Teaching Placements
Coláiste Eoin, Hacketstown, Co. Carlow
Kildare Town Community School, Kildare Town, Kildare
Naas Community College, Naas, Co. Kildare