Artist family to hold joint exhibition
If any fights ever break out in the Clogher/Connell household in Castlepollard, we imagine they’re probably all about favourite paintbrushes and missing tubes of Prussian Blue or Burnt Sienna.
That’s because Castlepollard woman Deirdre Clogher and her three daughters are all artists.
This month, Deirdre with Rebecca, Rachel, and Sarah are to present a group exhibition, Kindred, at The Atrium, County Buildings, Mullingar. The show will bring together four unique viewpoints and styles from the family.
The artists’ works vary in style and subject but are tied together by kindred interests and a shared appreciation for the world around them.
Deirdre has found many different forms in which to express her creativity over the years.
She has for the most part worked as a window dresser in retail environments, a skill which she loves and sees as a specific art form.
She has also had forays into other areas like sewing, textile art, jewellery making, and floristry and currently runs classes in some of these skills.
In the last few years, however, she has concentrated on her painting practice in both oils and acrylics.
Deirdre describes her style as twofold: the subject of her paintings ranges from subtle, ethereal imaginative landscapes to contrasting bold floral acrylics. She is working on creating textile prints of her work for the home. Deirdre is inspired by her home place and draws her inspiration from frequent wanderings in Mullaghmeen, Tullynally, Lough Crew and Fore.
Rebecca Connell creates delicately detailed studies of nature, with a particular emphasis on bird life. Her subjects are taken from the real world but are often chosen for the symbolism or superstitions that surround them. Fairy tales, myths and legends of the world provide great inspiration to her.
Rachel Connell also lives in Castlepollard and works in Revive Active in Mullingar as well as attending Link, where she takes part in many courses and activities. She draws “to express herself” and her drawings are her interpretation of often “ordinary things” – quirky and concentrated studies of everyday items that surround her, cartoon characters and often humorous takes on life which highlight her style and personality.
With a preference for realism and working exclusively with pencil and pen, Sarah Connell’s artwork is a fusion of realism and symbolism. Drawing inspiration from her diverse interests and experiences at different stages of her life, her art reflects a beautiful tapestry of emotions, ideas, and life cycles.
All are welcome to attend the exhibition launch today, Tuesday July 11, at 5.30pm. The launch will be opened by the Caroline Barry, ceramic sculptor, illustrator, novelist, and creator of Other World Ceramics.