The path that brought me to creating these light box designs started very early in my life. From a fascination with holographic and three dimensional images to fantastical stories of worlds hidden behind doors, in furniture or at the bottom of the garden. Like all children I longed to explore these places. To step from one world into another. To live the stories in my imagination. But then I grew up!

I worked many unfulfilling jobs like so many adults do, existing rather than living, but I still held onto my dream of being an artist. So I began creating these little worlds on my sitting room table in an attempt to reconnect with my inner child and break free from the work-a-day world.

At first I had a shelf in café D’Lush in the Wexford Arts Centre and a small stand in the local Book Centre. Once I got the price point right, the light boxes flew off the shelf and it became a steady source of income. I delighted in the joy I found when meeting people who had purchased one of my designs. Commissions followed, where I would make custom bespoke designs for people. During this time, I even managed to receive a commission to make a design for President Higgins’ son, John, who was marrying Eva Lynch. Then an opportunity arose to take up residence in an old building on the main street in town. I agreed with the letting agent that I would exhibit my boxes and if it went well I could possibly sign a year’s lease. That show sold out so I did as I promised. Two months later, at Christmas, I was inundated with orders and completely sold out again. I took this as a positive sign to keep going.

Over five years later and I’m still here in 24 Selskar Street, Wexford town. Light and Shadow has grown through ups and downs and everyday it feels like there are lessons to be learned. I am happy to be here still exploring and creating my designs. I hope they light the way for others who may have lost that sense of magic, adventure or romance.

My work is meticulously hand-cut paper sculptures, depicting surreal and atmospheric storybook imagery. I have been awarded both National and International residencies. I currently reside in the Light and Shadow Gallery/Studios that I have been developing since the end 2017. Having worked extensively on the VEC programme with the Wexford Arts Centre since 2012 I now run workshops and classes in the studios above Light and Shadow gallery, teaching art to kids and adults. I have been involved in various National and International projects and collaborations.  

2022

Awards for project “Samsara”:

Best animation

Best internationl animation

Best Screenplay

Best Experimental

2020

Screen Wexford grant to produce stop-motion charcoal animation “Samsara” in collaboration with visual artist Mirona Mara

2018

Selected to showcase at 'Sculpture in Context' in Dublin's Botannical gardens.

2017 

Creative Ireland Grant to produce a short film.

2016 

Residency Tranas Sweden.

2015 

Residency Wexford Arts Centre.

2010 

Winner of the JFK Dunbrody award in New Ross Co.Wexford.

2017-(TO DATE)

All commissions are in private collections in countries all over the world.

2016

Commissioned shadowbox for wedding of John Higgins (President Michael D.Higgins son) and Eva Lynch.

2015

Commissioned to make mask for musician Paula Cox's music video 'Let's play a game'.

2010

Painting acquired for the Paddy Quin collection.

2006

Commissioned to do a series of works for Wexford Credit Union.

(All other commissioned works are in private collections.)