In the artists own words: Fiona ní Chuinn

Born in the West of Clare, not far from its ever changing , awe inspiring coastline, I developed an early connection and appreciation for the raw beauty of the landscape. . As a child , I would often visit Loop Head and Baltard with my Father, captivated by its wild , untamed and strikingly bleak scenery- a rugged beauty that continues to inspire me.

Becoming a painter was not something that I had originally envisioned. However, after the birth of my first daughter , the desire to paint seemed to present itself.

This newfound desire led me to explore painting with oil paints , where I discovered it’s richly pigmented, thick and creamy textures which brought a profound sense of calm and stillness to my mind. Intrigued by how a kaleidoscope of colour could blend and flow effortlessly together and how a landscape could almost emerge, unfold and come alive before ones eyes. I was instantly captivated, And have been painting now for almost 22 years .

I am self - taught artist, having refined my craft through the process of exploration, experimentation and learning through countless mistakes .  

When I decide to paint a place I firstly visit there , simply to be present , to absorb its energy or maybe if I’m lucky enough to catch a fleeting moment that I would like to bring to the canvas. When it feels right I photograph and use the photos as a beginning reference but the real magic , I believe , comes from the energy of the place whether healing , restless or peaceful .

Powerful crashing waves fill my Spirit with both excitement and fear . Yet, there is also something grounding in their relentless force against the ancient landscape, something deeply rooted in our ancestry . It is this ancient conversation between land and sea that I strive to bring to my work

Ultimately, I believe that the viewer will find their own connection or interpretation as we are all share the universal human desire for meaning and understanding.
Fiona ní Chuinn.