My intentions are honorable and I do hope to be a champion blogger soon (have a few tricks up my sleeve to this end!)

Anyhoo first off – is a lil show of  small work in The Old Market Arts Centre in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.

‘A Quiet Kingdom – Recent paintings from Kerry’
Cora Murphy at Dungarvan Arts Centre
23rd Feb – 31st March

It’s a lovely lil seasidey town – a really great spot – perfect for a picnic, a daytrip or indeedy a wonderous lost w.end.

There will be three exhibitions running simultaneously – that of  marvelous Margo Banks, the terrific Tony Hayes and little ol me.

So please do spread the word and  pop in if you’re passing.

Mexican Odyssey at Origin Gallery, Dublin 4-25 Oct. 2011

The exhibition has just finished it’s run at The Mexican Embassy of Ireland and is being unveiled this evening at Origin by His Excellency Carlos Garcia De Alba,  The Mexican Ambassador in  Ireland. Drinks will be served from 6pm – 8pm so please come on down and say Hola!

'A Passion for the Prairie' Oil & Acrylic on Canvas, 16" X 16"

I’ve attached some new images below for your info.

'Caramel Country - Mexico at Dusk', Oil & Acrylic on Canvas, 16" X 16"

'A Hymn to the Silence' Oil & Acrylic on Paper

'A Mexican Odyssey' - Paintings from the Baja by Cora Murphy

The exhibition, which includes small mixed  media works on paper and larger painted works on canvas, was officially opened on 7th September by Mr Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister for Arts,Heritage & The Gaeltacht with Ambassador Carlos Garcia De Alba. The show continues to Friday 30th September 2011 – All visitors are welcome Monday – Friday from 10am – 5pm.

Photocall at the launch of 'A Mexican Odyssey (l-r) Mr Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage & The Gaeltacht, Cora Murphy, Anne & Pat Coffey (Daughter & Son in law of the late Michael Kirby) and Ambassador Carlos Garcia De Alba

The Mexican Odyssey series of paintings and collage came about during my visit to Mexico’s Baja Desert in October & November 2009. Having returned to live in Ireland the previous year, following 15 years overseas, I found myself making landscape paintings – this was a departure from my previous work and yet felt instinctive, invigorating and the right thing  to do.

'A Mexican Odyssey' Acrylic & Oil on Canvas, 120cm X 100cm (WxH

If I’m honest,  the idea of returning to Ireland and making landscapes seemed a bit ‘obvious’ to me. I wanted to explore the idea of landscape and throught the best way to do so was to detach myself from the familiarity of my native environment and immerse myself in a different landscape.  And so I travelled to Mexico, where while camping in the desert I made work from limited resources and found objects.

'Into the Great Wide Open' Mixed Media on Board, 19cm X 10cm (WxH)

I went to Mexico with the intention of making a completely different body of work. I expected to be influenced by the abundance of bright colours, the sights, sounds and sensations of that environment – and I was – but camping in the desert with minimal supplies enabled me to immerse myself in that ‘pared back’ environment and to create a very direct and authentic response. The result was a revelation – when I stood back from the work I realised that, while more abstracted, these too were landscapes.

'Autumn leaves in the Baja' Mixed media & found objects, 38cm X 19cm (WxH)

This period in Mexico had an enormous and profound impact on my work – not only was I influenced by the colour, sights and sounds of Mexico-and of course the abundance of great culture and art – but also peculiarly and most significantly – my time in the Baja helped me think more expansively about landscape and effectively marry up – and create a cohesion between – the abstract and landscape in my paintings. In essence it helped me to find a space – within the great traditions of landscape painting – to call my own. Literally equipping me with the skills I’d been lacking to see my own country with an increased love and appreciation

'Waldo Send his Love' Mixed media collage, 22cm X 19cm (WxH)

While making this work I was influenced by many Mexican and Irish art practitioners – most notably the late Phil Kelly (you can see more of Phil’s work at Hillsboro Fine Art on Parnell Square, Dublin – see some images here) . Sadly Phil Kelly passed away last year but not before leaving a rich legacy of paintings made from his stuidio in his adopted home in Mexico City.

'Waldo Sends his Love - Part II' Mixed Media Collage, 20cm X 14cm

I was also enormously fortunate to work with a great bunch of contemporary artists, including Sabrina Ward Harrison, whilst in Mexico. This group works under the informal title of ‘The Prairie Sisters’ – I look forward to collaborating again with them on something wonderful in future. In the Baja we were facilitated by the amazing Angela Ritchie of ACE Camps – I can not recommend Angela and her team highly enough. This work would not have reached fruition without her (pls check out all she does here – it’s amazing!).

'Camping in the Beautiful Baja' Oil & Collage on paper, 20cm X 14cm

Feedback  from the show has been great and reviews have been universally positive (phew!).  Many thanks to Ros Drinkwater, Art Critic at the Sunday Business Post for her article on my work – see image below – which is a little blurry so you can read the text here.

'Art Down Mexico Way' Article from Sunday Business Post, 11 Sept 2011

Sorry this is turning into a super-long post – must work on frequency and brevity! Please, please do call in to The Mexican Embassy in Dublin before 30th September. As I said at the top – Opening hours are Monday – Friday: 10am – 5pm. All visitors are welcome – as a bonus you will also get to meet the lovliest bunch of people who happen to work at the Mexican Embassy.

I am enormously grateful to Ambassador Carlos Garcia De Alba & all the staff at The Mexican Embassy in Ireland whose ongoing support and friendship have made this exhibition possible.

Viva Mexico!

 

Cora Murphy Open Studio - Cork City - 19-28 August 2011 - 11am - 4pm daily

In celebration of Cork Craft Month, I’m  hosting an ‘Open Studio’  at my Cork City Centre workspace from Friday 19th – Sunday 28th August (inc).  The studio is located at Level 3 Singers Corner, on the corner of Grand Parade & Washington St (Just opposite The English Market) -  it’s the first door on Washington St -  just come upstairs and press the buzzer with my name on it.

Cora Murphy Open Studio,  Singer Sewing Centre, Cnr Washington St & Grand Parade  ( Just opp. The English Market)

The Open Studio is a great opportunity for visitors to see my work environment and processes whist viewing some of my more recent creations from  residencies in Mayo & Kerry.  It is also really helpful for me to meet people who are interested in arts and crafts and to get their feedback on my work. Please see below a sneak preview.

‘Kerry Gold II’, Oil on Board,10″ x 6″ approx, Kerry 2011

‘Trasna Na Donnta’, Oil on Canvas on Board, 8″ x 8,  Kerry 2011

‘Beach Time, Ciarraí‘ Oil on Canvas, 8″ x 8″, 2011

‘Boolakeel Strand’ Oil on Board, 10″ x 6″ approx,  2011

Ps:

Apologies for extreme tardiness with regards updating posts and general blogginess – it has been a whirlwind of late! But I am happy to say that I will shortly be relaunching with a complete new website and blog – which promises to be – in  a word – brilliant! Oh and regularly updated – promise!

I look forward to seeing you there soon

X

I am delighted to be showing some new paintings in the ‘Singers Corner’ show which opens at The Lavit Gallery in Cork from 8pm on Tuesday 15th March 2011. The exhibition showcases the work of 6 contemporary Irish painters, who  work out of  Singers Corner studio’s  in Cork city, namely: Patrick Cashin, Sam Curtin, Aoife Layton,Jennifer O’Connor, Brian Smyth and myself.

The result is a great show which by bringing together the work of 6  highly individual practitioners,  offers a diverse, yet concise snapshot of where contemporary Irish painting is at right now.

'The Thundering Silence of the Sea' Oil, Acrylic & Ink on Canvas 50cm X 40cm

I have included some paintings from ‘Arctic Sensations’ - a body of work I began making whilst on residency in Cill Rialaig Artists’ Retreat in Kerry during last Winter’s epic chill.   I felt honoured  to be in residence up on Bolus Head during Ireland’s coldest winter (EVER!) as the snow on the mountains and the surrounding  Skelligs gave off an incredible light that made for beautiful, crisp days and  clear starry nights.

'On the Edge' Oil & Ink on paper, 20cm X 29cm

One of the most wonderful things, for me,  about living back in Ireland now is that close proximity to nature…and it’s command key – weather!  We are OBSESSED with weather and I LOVE that! Our Irish weather does go a long way to defining us as a nation.. which suits me fine as  I love talking about it and I love being  IN the weather – it’s like some sort of sybiosis where it is part of us and vice versa.  I love being out IN the landscape too (see video of me at work here!) and when you’re on Bolus Head – on the furthest part of the furthest peninsula of  Ireland – you can really ‘feel’ nature.

'Standing Stones Over Bolus Head' Oil on paper 29cm X 20cm

The ‘Arctic Sensations’ paintings are a direct reaction to the epic weather of this past winter – you will note they are heavier – more textured & volumious and have made use of a cooler palette. It is my attempt to document the scene and sensations of one of our most historic winters in this land. Please do pop in to The Lavit Gallery to see them and the work of my esteemed Singer buddies if you can.

The  show runs at The Lavit Gallery until Sat 2nd April.  Opening Hours are: Tues – Fri 10.30am – 5pm and Sat 10.30am – 5.00pm

Please call The Lavit Gallery on 021 – 4277 749 for more information.

‘Land of Plenty’ -  an exhibition of my most recent paintings and my first solo show in the capital is now showing at Origin Gallery, 83 Harcourt St, Dublin until Sunday 20th March. Read the preview from the Sunday Business Post here.

'On A Clear Day....' Oil on Canvas 112cm X 112cm

‘Land of Plenty’ is my take on all that is plentiful  in Ireland and our landscape.  The exhibition serves as an antidote to the recession and acts as a timely reminder of the essence of Ireland and why  – even in the midst of political and financial crisis – it  still IS a great place to live.

‘Land of Plenty’ follows on from ‘Ballads to the Bog’ – a show I staged at the Cill Rialaig Gallery in Ballinskelligs, Kerry last October. Much of the work in ‘Ballads to the Bog’ was inspired by the poems of Kerry writers Michael Kirby and Sigerson Clifford. Kirby, a native of Ballinskelligs, spent all but 3 of his 99 years residing in his native place. His writings on nature, our native landscape and ways of life have been enormously inspiring to me and have helped me be “..thankful for the simple gifts; the ability to see, hear and observe the things of nature, the rocks, bogs, meadows, sand and seashore of my native place” - from Michael Kirby’s introduction to Skellig Sunset.

'I Dreamed A Drizzle... Across the Bog' by Cora Murphy from Land of Plenty

For ‘Land of Plenty’ I have expanded on this inspiration to include work by Seamus Heaney and Thomas Davis- many of the paintings are accompanied by a poem as a route into and around the piece.

The show opened with a drinks reception on the 24th February – it being the eve of our general election the opening is turning into something of a pre-election party  complete with a show-stopping performance by the amazingly talented and versatile Larry Beau. I am honoured that Larry took the time to do a turn and sing his great and most fitting tune ‘Save me from Apathy’ before he ran up the road to launch his own album at The Village on Wexford St .

'After the Storm, Derrynane', Oil & Ink on Paper, 29cm X 20cm

‘Land of Plenty’ will remain on exhibition until 20th March 2011 at Origin, 83 Harcourt St, Dublin. Origin is open Mon – Sat from 10am – 5pm (Private viewing by appointment on Sunday) and just 5 mins walk from Stephens Green. Please call Origin  01-478 5159 for more information.

Please spread the word and do pop in if you can.

First and foremost – this weekend see’s the opening of my first solo show in Kerry.

'Ballads to the Bog' Invitation - All Welcome

‘Ballads of the Bog’ comprises 25 recent paintings and assemblages based on the Kerry Landscape on the west coast of Ireland.

'That first field' - en route to Bolus Head

I began painting in Kerry last January when I visited the Cill Rialaig residency in Ballinskelligs.  My intention was to make big works outdoors based – I suspected – on the sea.  However, en route to Bolus Head, shortly after leaving the main road out of Cahirciveen,  I entered the local bog land and was  awestruck  – I use the term reluctantly but it is the one most fitting! – by the colour and textures of the bog land.

'On the Road to Cill Rialaig' - January 2010

I suppose in many ways, I haven’t left it since! During my time in Kerry, I have been blessed by the friendship of local people who have shared their love of the locality with great grace. Thanks to them, I have discovered wonderful locations such as ‘Luck na Raba’ and Rin Rua strand.

'Nil Aon Thinteain - There is no other place'

It’s funny – having spent lots of years tearing around the world looking and searching , I now believe I could spend the rest of a long life painting  in the surrounds of this small village and only jot a smattering of what ‘it’ is – it truly is a special place.

'At Lough Na Raba'

Thankfully, I have been introduced to more erudite and comprehensive studies of the area in the form of the poetry and prose of Michael Kirby and Sigerson Clifford. Their writing has been a huge steer in my work.

'Bog Cotton Lough Na Raba'

Kirby who passed away in 2005, just a month shy of a century,  spent all but a couple of his years living in and documenting the natural world of Ballinskelligs – his legacy is great and leading. ‘Ballads to the Bog’ is underpinned by his poetry and prose – it is my concerted effort to ‘get’ in painting what Kirby put in words.

'I see a tender reed' from 'Wild Things'

‘Ballads to the Bog’ opens this Saturday – the 24th October 2010 at The Cill Rialaig Arts Centre and Gallery in Ballinskelligs, Co. Kerry.  I am delighted and honoured that Regine Bartsch – renowned artist and Cahirciveeen resident – will be ‘doing’ the opening at 5.30pm. The opening will be followed by a buffet – (dreamed up by Ivor – one of Ireland’s finest chefs)  and the unmissable ‘La Vie en Rose Lawless’ Burlesque Cabaret Show – tickets at €35 are selling fast so best to book in advance.

For more information please call The Cill Rialaig Arts Centre on 066-9479-277.

Ocean & Sea Exhibition - Wine Reception 6-8pm Thurs 22nd July

I am delighted to be showing some recent paintings alongside a  great crew of international painters at Urban Retreat Gallery, Dublin from Thursday 22nd July throughout August.

The show is curated by Noelle Campbell Sharpe (of Origin Gallery, Dublin) and brings together a diverse selection  of work  – all of which has been infleunced by the sea’ s around Ireland.

The other painters participating in the show are Rod Coyne,  Linda Graham, Neil Greig, Barbara Hirst (Canada),  Brenda Malley, Kate McGloughin (US) and Louise Newman - so there promises to be something for everyone. There is a lovely commemorative brochure to coincide with the exhibition, so make sure to pick up a complimentary copy when you visit.

Urban Retreat is located on Hanover Quay in Dublin’s Docklands – just opposite the new Grand Canal Theatre (see map here).

Opening hours are as follows:

12pm – 6pm  Tuesday to Friday

12pm – 4pm  Saturday & Sunday

Late Evening: Thursday until 8pm

Closed Monday.

Please contact the gallery directly on  01 – 633 7865 for more information

I don’t have my camera on me at the moment but will pop back in with some pictures soon.  It would be lovely to see you there.

'Turf Terrain I', Oil, Acrylic & Ink on paper

Just popping in and out here to let you know about my small, but perfectly formed ‘Pop-Up’  Exhibition at 136 Tullow St, Carlow (next door to Tully Travel)  to coincide with Eigse – Carlow’s Annual Arts Festival.

The show features some of my recent paintings  – a series of abstracted landscapes made in Kerry on recent residencies at the Cill Rialaig retreat. Doors open from 6.30pm on Friday 11th June (tomorrow!) and the exhibition will run until Sunday 20th June.

'Ciarrai on my Mind', Oil,Acrylic & Ink on Canvas, 50cm X 40cm

The Shop that Popped Up will be open daily Monday – Saturday from 11.00am – 6.00pm and on Sunday from 12.00pm – 3.00pm.

Apologies for the late nature of posting -it has all been a little ‘spontaneous’ but tons of fun.

'The Ciarrai Constitutional', Oil, Acrylic & Ink on Canvas, 50cm X 40cm

Please spread the word and ‘Pop-In’ if you can.

For more information please contact 087 327 5131 or email cora@coramurphy.com

On The Edge of Abstraction at Urban Retreat Gallery from 18th Feb

‘On the Edge of Abstraction’ opens this Thursday (18th Feb) at The Urban Retreat Gallery in Dublin.  I am delighted to be in the company of some of my favourite Irish contemporaries namely Tom Climent, Carol Hodder & Bridget Flannery.

The shows runs until the 15th March so if you’re in Dublin please do pop in.