Visual Arts: The Goose Field by Mary Duffy at Signal Arts Centre
20 Jun - 2 Jul 2017 (Past)
This series of paintings is based on what the artist sees every day: the field next door to her studio. Known as The Goose Field – because of the over wintering geese from the Arctic – this twenty acre field provides the artist with endless opportunities for contemplation as it changes throughout the day and is transformed throughout the seasons.
Mary writes: “While I have been painting for ten years now, I see myself at a point of transition. While still deeply engaged in landscape, circumstances have led me to try to work more from my memory of places, rather than directly on site.
This transformation to working from my studio has led me to try to tease out what exactly I am looking for. As a result of working more from memory, my paintings are becoming bigger and more abstract while still essentially landscapes. This shift comes from a deep desire not to just paint places or things, but rather to use the paint itself to express the essence of space and place, and my response to it. I am allowing the paint to lead me now as much as the landscape led me in the past.
This is so not what I am used to. I am used to the wind in my face and the rain on my palette. Early in 2014, I injured my neck. As someone already without arms, it affected my ability to do most things, and I became very incapacitated as a result. This limitation stopped me painting for some time and changed the way I approach a canvas. Now when I want to paint, I have to plan it carefully, think long and hard, and then very fast, and very swiftly apply the paint. As a result, my paintings are different. And for me, better . . . and it’s not just because I love big brushes.”
Mary Duffy’s The Goose Field was the result of an Arts and Disability Connect New Work award in 2016.
The scheme is funded by the Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon and managed by Arts & Disability Ireland. It offers artists the opportunity to connect with other practitioners or venues, make a change in their practice, ‘step up’ in terms of scope and scale, reach new audiences and to engage in mentoring and training.
Signal Arts Centre, 1 Albert Avenue, Bray, Co. Wicklow.
Tuesday, June 20th – Sunday, July 2nd, 2017
Opening Reception: Friday, 23rd June from 7 – 9 pm
For more information: telephone 01 276 20 39, or email info@signalartscentre.ie
http://www.signalartscentre.ie/
Gallery opening times:
Mon to Fri: 10-1pm & 2-5pm
Sat to Sun: 10-1pm & 2-5pm
Closed for lunch: 1-2pm
What am I at this time? Making a mess obviously! This is an area where I am truly marvellous and highly skilled. But this time it will be a beautiful mess with a very special twist.
Mary Duffy, artist
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