Art has always been a very important part of my self-expression. It gives me a window to escape into my own private world.

Twenty years ago I opted to go to Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa to study art. It was here that I was introduced to textiles, weaving and basketry. This greatly influenced my approach.

On completing my year in CSN, I went to Crawford College of Art & Design where I further explored textiles and sculpture. While there I incorporated glass into my work. In 2001, I got my degree in Fine Art, also graduating as Cork Arts’ Society Student of the Year.

Over the years I have attended many specialist courses including backstrap-loom weaving in Northern Thailand, glass blowing in Australia, glass Pate-de-Verre in Turkey and numerous glass courses in Ireland. The most recent of which was with the master glass artist Joseph Cavalieri.

I have had many solo and group exhibitions in various venues in that time. But, more recently, I find myself working largely to commission alongside exploring my own creativity and taking time to enjoy the process. Bespoke gifts or presentations can be tailored to the individuals receiving them, and I enjoy making these special bespoke pieces.

Working as an artist has always been a journey of discovery for me, and my work has evolved in various direction through the years.

Glass allows me to tie the various elements of my work together. My glass pieces can be sculptural or flat, vibrant or muted. Some of these are extremely fragile in appearance, conveying a sense of delicacy preserved in time. Other works are influenced by ancient forms etched in stone or caught in amber. My work seeks to evoke a timeless, almost ethereal effect.

I draw a lot of my inspiration form the natural world, in the form of found objects such as shells, stones, twigs, withering flowers etc. The textures and aesthetics caused by age and weathering are of constant fascination to me. There is nothing more elegant than the erosive nature of time.

Most recently I have started making jewelry. In a world of mass production, it is edifying to create bold and unique statement pieces.

I was born and raised near Watergrasshill, Cork. After living in Cork City for years my husband and I bought our first house in Ballyvourney where we enjoyed several happy years. We moved closer to family in 2013, the year our second child was born. I now live and work near Coolagowen, outside Fermoy town.

I am a member of the Blackwater Valley Makers, an exciting collective of Artists, Craftspeople and Designers who live in the Blackwater Valley area. Together, we are working to further the Arts in Fermoy and surrounds.