Sublime Expressions of Light

April 1, 2025

Last weekend my good friend and fellow artist Linda Proudfoot and I opened our joint exhibition called 'Sublime Expressions of Light' in The Cowshed Gallery Farmleigh. We had an overwhelming response for which we are so grateful.

This exhibition explores Irish light in the landscape from the perspective of two Artists with very different painting styles. When curating the exhibition we chose themes of water, forestry, meadows and evening light to develop this exploration of nature which is at the forefront of our inspiration. Linda uses her local areas of Marley Park, Dun Laoghaire, Tibradden Woods and a favourite holiday destination retreat of Achill Co Mayo for as subjects for her oil paintings.

The Phoenix Park is my local inspiration and it was during lockdown while walking the park that I was inspired to return to painting after a long hiatus. It was following a small garden exhibition of my work at the end of lockdown that was the impetus to start my own Art business in 2021. Linda and I bonded over many weekends in Dun Laoghaire harbour as resident artists selling our work and also a very memorable trip to Scotland to take part as wildcard contestants in Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year in 2023.

Minister Jack Chambers was the invited guest of Honour and he spoke about the importance of local businesses supporting the Arts and creating spaces for local artists. He recognised that artists require designated spaces to showcase and develop their careers.

One of our invited guests was Syed Rizvi, General Manager of Castleknock Hotel who has been hugely supportive to me over the past year in commissioning some pieces for the hotel lobby area and also providing a designated space to display and sell my work. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Syed and his team in Castleknock Hotel for all of their support.

Mary Mac Sweeney, Executive Manager from Dublin City Council and representing LEO Dublin City in her speech reinforced the message that small businesses have a wealth of resources under the auspices of the LEO organisation. It is not only in terms of mentoring and training but also networking and trade show opportunities such as Showcase and Bloom and these events can be transformational in the start up period of a small business.

Thanks to Steve Bradbury of The Bradbury Gallery for visiting the exhibition also. Linda is represented by Steve in this wonderful gallery in the heart of Dun Laoghaire.