Artist in Residence, Creative Spark, Dundalk.

During my 2024 residency at Creative Spark in Dundalk, I focused on documenting and developing new paintings and fine art prints based on my observations along the River Glyde, stretching from my home in Castlebellingham to the coast at Annagassan and onward to Salterstown. I’ve always been drawn to the gentle bends of the river and the dramatic change in scenery as it meets the sea. Even though I’ve lived in the area for years, I saw it in a fresh way when I dedicated time to sketching, painting, and gathering ideas for prints along the river bank.

My year-round swims in Salterstown played a big part in this project. Experiencing the water in every season helped me connect more deeply with the landscape, capturing details I might have missed otherwise. Sometimes I would head straight into the studio after a swim, while the feel of the cold water and the rhythm of the waves were still on my mind. This direct connection really influenced my brushstrokes and color palette, giving my work a sense of movement and energy that I hadn’t explored before.

Having a light-filled studio at Creative Spark was such a gift. It gave me the space and quiet I needed to think more carefully about each stage of my work. Throughout the residency, I found myself trying different approaches—combining loose watercolors with screen printing, layering prints to build up texture, and experimenting with wood engraving in the FabLab. Access to these facilities sparked new ideas and techniques that pushed my work in directions I hadn’t anticipated.

I quickly saw how beneficial it was to step away from my usual routines and be fully present in a dedicated studio. Without the usual distractions, I could focus on refining my technique and letting the local landscape guide me. I also appreciated the supportive community at Creative Spark. It’s a space where artists bounce ideas off each other and share experiences, which made me feel more confident taking creative risks.