In her own words: Artist ‘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 with each piece, as we are all share the universal human desire for meaning and understanding.
Fiona ní Chuinn.
See Fiona’s available pieces HERE
