Local artist to launch exhibition in Moate on Culture Night
Westmeath artist Thomasina Earley will launch her new exhibition at Tuar Ard Arts Centre, Moate on Culture Night, Friday, September 20 at 7pm.
The exhibition is titled 'Walking in Soil' as, instead of paint, the artworks have been made using soil.
Thomasina uses soils and clays from the areas surrounding her studio close to the Hill of Uisneach in her works, as well as peats from the midland bogs and sands from the Irish coast to capture the essence of the Irish landscape. She also frequently uses copper, gold and silverleaf.
A background in industrial design, interior design and illustration brought Thomasina on design projects both in Ireland and abroad.
This allowed her to capture visuals of different terrains from the Australian outback to Asian jungles and the Canadian forests of Quebec.
On her return to Ireland, she said she was drawn by the Irish wetlands, which she views as “layers of forgotten stories buried deep within a soaked drenched bed of black soil”.
Thomasina describes being on the wild landscape of the Irish bog as freedom for the soul.
“It is a connection to our ancestors, a connection to self”, she says.
“A frequency only the soul understands. The land understands our differences and gives what each body needs. The earth is here to support and heal.”
Thomasina has exhibited and had shows in both Ireland and abroad, with her work described as evocative and atmospheric. She is recognised as a very unique Irish artist, with some high profile admirers including singer Imelda May.
Thomasina says each piece of work carries a sense of discovery both of the land and of the self, evoking the cycles of life, decay and rebirth, “confirmation that we are all one”.
All works are original creations that will not be copied or sold as prints.
The launch is open to the public on Culture Night, and will also feature music from singer Áine Marie Hynes from soundyoursoul.ie.
The exhibition will remain open to the public at Tuar Ard until October 18.
In November, Thomasina will head to the RDS in Dublin for Art Source, Ireland's largest art fair.