What are your earliest memories of being interested in the Arts?
Looking back, creativity was just a natural part of everyday life. My journey in the arts began with simple play and anything that sparked my imagination: making and acting out stories, doodling with crayons, building new worlds from whatever was at hand, crafting Halloween masks from paper bags, and decorations for Christmas. I was always looking for ways to occupy myself and make something from nothing.
One memory stands out: a book titled ‘The Ladybird Book of Toys and Games to Make’. It was full of DIY projects, teaching how to make toys from everyday bits and bobs. Only 5 years old, I was captivated by the idea of making the Dancing Doll from spools and corks. I remember eagerly gathering up corks my Dad used for cleaning his pipe, intending to punch holes through them with his penknife. However, I ended up slicing the top of my index finger. It was an early lesson and bear the scars to remind me that art making rarely goes as planned.
So, my journey into the arts began as a very quiet and curious child. It became my way of navigating the world and expressing myself without the need for words. Through art, I learned early on that silence can speak volumes.
Did you get support at home?
Growing up during the prolonged recession of the 1970s and 80s in rural Ireland posed challenges. Economic hardships resulted in declining living standards, soaring unemployment rates, and the ever-looming prospect of emigration. Cultural resources were scarce and the Catholic Church’s influence was pervasive and oppressive. Within this context, a career in the arts was unimaginable for me. It seemed reserved for those fortunate urban dwellers with pre-existing familial connections in artistic circles and the security of financial support.
In this context, support at home may not have been materialistic, but my family nurtured a spirit of creativity and instilled in me values of perseverance, determination, and the belief that with hard work and ingenuity, anything is possible.
Did you get support at school?
Our small two-teacher national school, under the guidance of our head teacher, Rachel Tracey, was certainly supportive. Mrs. Tracey was not only deeply invested in the arts herself but was also ahead of her time in her teaching methods. She introduced us to classical music and literature, encouraged creative writing, and fostered a love for the visual arts. By the time I transitioned to secondary school, I had already developed a profound appreciation for the arts.
At secondary school, my passion for the visual arts was nurtured by the wonderful Mary Stratton. Miss Stratton was an exceptional teacher whom we all adored. Continuing to study with her right through to my Leaving Certificate, my drawing and painting skills vastly improved alongside my art history and appreciation knowledge.
Our art making was immersed, and not separate from, our community. We painted murals, created backdrops, had our own museum and spent countless art classes along the banks of the adjoining River Barrow, drawing inspiration from the natural beauty that surrounded us. So, my love for community arts and environmental art took root at this early stage.
Miss Stratton played a pivotal role in shaping my artistic journey. She not only nurtured my love for the visual arts but also provided guidance in developing a portfolio for entry to Art College. She also encouraged me to participate in art competitions which not only boosted my confidence but also provided practical rewards, such as extra cash and book tokens. However, despite the validation of being accepted to art college, the reality of my circumstances prevented me from accepting the offer — a bittersweet realization of my potential and limitations at the time.
Did you go on to tertiary study?
After leaving school, I joined the Civil Service as a Trainee Technician with the Department of Posts and Telegraphs. This period coincided with the rapid transition from analogue to digital technology, making it an exceptionally interesting time to be involved. I was fortunate to receive a scholarship to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering from Trinity College, Dublin, marking my first primary degree.
Maintaining a commitment to learning and education, I undertook various postgraduate courses, including statistics, computer modelling & simulation, and management. Additionally, I obtained a master of science in Organizational Behaviour from the University of London, which provided fascinating insights into human behaviour and psychology.
After a demanding but rewarding global career spanning over 20 years in the telecommunications Industry, during which I reached Director level, the persistent calling to pursue art refused to fade. Determined to follow my passion, I made the decision to return to art college. I studied fine art at the Institute of Art, Design & Technology, Dun Laoghaire, and Fine & Applied Arts at Ulster University.
