Me and My Big Egg!

I am delighted to be involved with Dublin’s first ever Big Egg Hunt in aid of the wonderful Jack & Jill Foundation. 100 giant eggs have been painted, designed and crafted by artists, singers, Radio & TV personalities, designers etc before being hidden throughout the capital.

With an even spread – north & south of the Liffey – Eggs can be found on street corners, in parks, in stores and in all manner of other places. Hunting the eggs is a fun and potentially fabulous pursuit – as those who find 20 eggs can enter a competition to win a diamond bracelet.

My egg was inspired by (and is titled after)Seamus Heaney’s poem “Had I not been awake”. In it, Heaney describes a sudden gust of wind, a storm – that
‘… got me up, the whole of me a-patter,
Alive and ticking like an electric fence:
Had I not been awake I would have missed it’

The poem serves to me – as a reminder of the extraordinary in the ordinary. As a landscape painter I try to capture the passage of time – the perpetual motion that is a constant – but impossible to contain like water in our hands. We are too often looking for wonder – something extraordinary – that is actually abundant in the ordinary.
Each moment is absolutely unique with potential to fill us with wonder. My egg attempts again to capture the passage of time and place – a sunrise and sunset – the moment when one becomes the other,

The eggs are all for sale too – you can view and big for them online at http://thebigegghunt.ie/auction/lots/

For more info see The Big Egg Hunt facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/TheBigEggHuntDublin?ref=ts&fref=ts

You might also want to take a look at the competitions on offer from the Big Egg Hunt sponsor Lily O’ Brien’s; one of which involves decorating your own (real!) Easter egg: https://www.facebook.com/LilyOBriensChocolate

Enjoy!

‘100 at €150.00’ ONLINE Art Sale – 14th Dec 2012

Greetings!

Long time, no blog! Sorry I’ve been painting… a LOT!!

To celebrate the forthcoming launch of my brand new website a great new user-friendly design showcasing lots of new works & a book!) – I am going to host a ONCE OFF –  ‘100 at €150.00 ONLINE ART SALE’ !

All paintings will be original, framed works on canvas  with  €50.00 from each sale being donated to the Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP) to assist their amazing work helping people experiencing poverty. The Sale will take place ONLINE and will coincide with the re-launch of my website  when it opens at noon on Friday 14th December.  BUT… and it is a BIG ..BUT….

‘Walking Doonbeg Strand in a fur coat with Lolita’
Oil on Canvas,
Cora Murphy 2012

… As a very special  Thank You  for their continued interest and support,  I will be sending all those on my mailing list a very  granting ** PRIORITY ** entry to the sale from  4pm on Thursday 13th December.

‘A Tenderness of Clouds’
Oil on canvas
Cora Murphy 2012

I will be posting ** SNEAK PREVIEW’S**  of the paintings to be included in the ‘100 at €150′ ONLINE Sale on here regularly – but I expect the site will be down a little in advance of the relaunch on the 13th December – so I have started a facebook event here – https://www.facebook.com/events/134781556672051/ – which you are welcome to join to enjoy sneak previews of the paintings.

‘Finding Home via Furze’
Oil on canvas
Cora Murphy 2012

You can also see my paintings on my main facebook page here – I will be adding new images daily, in between painting my head off! While it is a MASSIVE challenge I am completely enjoying the process of painting everyday – i.e. prioritising painting – rather than getting distracted with all the other ‘stuff’ that doesn’t make so much sense to me.

‘Fire Island on my Mind’
Oil on Canvas
Cora Murphy 2012

I am learning so much along the way too!  I have had moments too when I’ve wondered if perhaps I’m having one of those manic episodes that Stephen Fry enjoys! But honestly I wouldn’t have missed this for the world!

‘I remember last Summer in Kerry – it was on a Wednesday’
OIl on canvas
Cora Murphy 2012

The nature of my decision to host this once-off sale was perhaps a little knee-jerk.  I decided to have the sale when I heard a guy on the radio talking about how he had stolen cornflakes to feed his kids and I felt I wanted to use the re-launch of my website as an opportunity to do something positive and helpful!    The decision to host my  ‘100 at €150’ ONLINE Sale has actually been really empowering – in the way that taking action usually is.  I am ‘allergic’ (as we say in Cork!) to remaining passive in the face of challenging times.

‘Tis all ahead of us Goldie (Just sometimes we need to believe to see!)
Oil on canvas
Cora Murphy 2012

And the encouraging news is that I don’t have to.  In the few short weeks since I decided to have the sale I have been overwhelmed by the phenomenal support and good feeling for the sentiment and the sale.

‘Rain Resplendent Bogland’
Mixed media on canvas
Cora Murphy 2012

Well-intentioned supporters have enquired as to the solidity of the ‘100 at €150’ Online Sale.  My paintings are generally priced from €350.00 upwards so it is for all intents and purposes a genuine ‘Sale’ however  the works are smaller  ( they generally come in two sizes: 5″ X 3″ canvas on boards  floated in box frames measuring approx: 10″ X 8″ (v.v.v. cute) and then other flatter canvas sheets – 7″ X 5″ double mounted and framed to: 12″ X 9″ (approx) – and in no way diminish the value of my other paintings.

‘Majesty in Kerry’
Oil on canvas
Cora Murphy 2012

I hate when people feel they can’t afford my paintings  – so this is a great opportunity for those who would genuinely like to own a piece and … well it is Christmas!    I love the idea  too of 100 of my paintings making their way out into the world.

‘Where the splendid sun met the splendid sea on Silver Strand’
Oil on canvas,
Cora Murphy 2012

So…so far…. so fabulous! Please watch this space – as there are PLENTY more to come. In the meantime, if you have any questions please email me to: cora@coramurphy.com

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‘Ocean’ set’s sail at Cronin’s Pub, Crosshaven for Cork Week

I’m delighted  to be exhibiting ‘Ocean’ – a collection of my watery seascapes at the Mad Fish Restaurant in Cronin Pub to celebrate Cork Week International Sailing Festival.

For those of you who haven’t been – Crosshaven is literally a ‘haven’ – a delightful little coastal village that hosts the bi-annual Cork Week International Sailing Festival. This year sailors from all over the world are descending on Crosshaven for the races being held throughout the festival from 7th to 13th July 2012.

‘Fair Winds & Following Seas’
Mixed media on canvas
Cora Murphy 2012

I’m delighted to be showing the ‘Ocean’ paintings at Cronins throughtout the summer (until 1st September 2012) as many of the painting were inspired by the local area –  most notably Graball Bay, the local beach where I often paint.  I began painting at Graball shortly after moving to Cork in 2008 and it quickly became one of my favourite places to paint – as it feels to me like an intimate setting, You are exposed to all the elements yet very close to the tide.

The lovely Betty & Margo at the launch of ‘Ocean’ at Cronin’s Mad Fish Restaurant,Crosshaven.
Photo credit: Joleen Cronin – http://www.joleencronin.com/

We had a lovely launch for ‘Ocean’ last Thursday evening. Afterwards Joleen Cronin (Fantastic Photographer and resident of Cronin’s Bar), Martha Cashman (the epic Sculptural Artist who kindly agreed to open the exhibition) and myself had a chat about why Crosshaven is magic – you can hear the podcast here.

Crosshaven – where the sun always shines..

 I LOVE  Crosshaven!

It was a love at first site thing! My maiden voyage to ‘Crosser’ was for a friends party shortly after I’d moved to Cork in 2008.  I was instantly delighted that somewhere so gorgeus and well  – just special – existed in such close proximity (less than a half hour drive)  to Cork City. It’s a small place but stuffed with great people – each and everyone a character – they even have a village dog (well he has a home and owner but seems to be everyone’s best friend) – you’ll find him perched outside Cronins!

Cronins Pub, Crosshaven

It’s great to visit Crosshaven  any ol time but Cork Week is particuarly special. Even if sailing doesn’t float your boat there is still so much to do.  I have never actually sailed (.. yet!) but I have always had tremendous times during Cork Week as there is something for everyone and… the entertainiment is epic! Cronin’s Pub has pulled out all the stops with their 2012 Cork Week programme – note drink promotions EVERY night – just sayin…

Cronin’s Pub Crosshaven – Race Week 2012
Entertainment Programme

Bodega by the Sea also promises to be a ton of fun – see the official programme here.

Please note: Any visit to Crosshaven would not be complete without a visit to the Fort Camden site. Currently undergoing an impressive refurb by a team of tremendous volunteers, the historic fort is an incredible destination that gives an insight to an architecture of a by-gone age. It is currently hosting ‘Fragility’ – an exhibition by Cork Potters alongside ‘Ground Zero 360′  a traveling photographic exhibition by Nicola McClean dedicated to the memory of  September 11th, 2001.

‘Fragility’ – An Exhibition by Cork Potters,
Fort Camden

 Hope to see you there.

Cora

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Fine Art + Fashion = A Fabulous Eigse Festival!

Look familiar????

Well it should do – that is –  if you have been living in Ireland, but not beneath any large rocks.

This is the shop front of the fabulous Elaine Curtis Boutique. Located on Potato Market in the centre of Carlow town – it is – in a word ‘Fashion-Heaven’ – ok that’s two words but you get the idea. If you are not familiar with this design emporium of delight then hold onto your hat as you are in for a treat!

The boutique has been at the centre of Ireland’s, fashion world since it was established in 2001. Having thrived throughout a tough decade, the team at Elaine Curtis have picked up many accolades along the way including: Boutique of the year and Best Boutique in Leinster whilst also being acknowledged within the industry in their selection for Best Buyer and Best Occasion Wear.

I am delighted to be exhibiting a selection of my abstract landscape paintings instore to coincide with Carlow’s 2012 Eigse Arts Festival – launching from 6pm this Friday (8th June) the exhibition will continue throughout the festival, showing during opening hours (10am – 6pm Mon – Sat, late to 8pm on Fridays). It’s great to be showing in Carlow – as it is where I come from originally – but also because I  have been a fan of the boutique since ..ever .. and have been known to lick the windows (as mes French Amis do say) with great frequency. This is partly because the window displays are high art anyway, but also because they are adorned with new creations EVERY Monday come hail, rain or shine – which to my mind makes for a very happy Monday indeed…  if only Karen Carpenter had known.. those rainy days and Mondays could have made for a whole different song!

Exhibiting at the Elaine Curtis Boutique is particularly special as Elaine and I went to school together at the local Saint Leo’s Convent  – a few years ago! Infact, truth be told – it is going to be 20 years – almost to the date – since we left Saint Leo’s on launch night! Such folly as neither of us have aged a day-ish!

Since we ditched the bottle green uniforms, Elaine has gone on to do great and good things. After studying fashion design, she spent several years designing her own award winning label before establishing her boutique in 2001. Hers was the first Irish boutique to stock young, visionary Irish designers but also the greatest creations from overseas including World (New Zealand) Manoush and many others. The Elaine Curtis boutique was also the first to develop a comprehensive online store which launced last year

The boutique is regularly featured in the press – including recent appearances on TV’s Expose, yet the team still find to do extra special and all round good things. Each year they make a very important contribution to Carlow by way of their Annual Fashion Show. All proceeds go to the Carlow Hospice campaign – this years event will take place on 12^th September so do support it if you can.

But before all that, please come see the store and visit my paintings – Do!

This room of gorgeusness makes me happy and  it will make you happy too.

I promise X

Kerry on my mind… again!

I’m just popping in now to post some images of paintings featured in my ‘In a Quiet Kingdom’ exhibiton at The Old Market House Arts Centre, Dungarvan.

'Soft Day, Kerry Bog' Oil on canvas 10" X 10"

Bar one, all paintings featured in this exhibition are smaller (8″ – 10″ sq), more intimate portraits of the Kerry landscape – that never ceases to inspire me (and long may it continue).

'The Tide Turning, Rin Roe' Oil on canvas 8" X 8"

I was really fortunate to spend the first month of this year on a painting residency in Kerry’s Cill Rialaig Artists’ Retreat – which was just the best way to take stock and start a new year.

'A Rich & Rare Land' Oil on canvas 8" X 8"

Making this series of work was an absolute joy – very meditative and peaceful.  That said, they do serve as a sort of ‘swan-song’ to my smaller works –  as I am about to embark on a series of much bigger paintings. The larger paintings are something I have been building up to since I began painting and so I am excited and a little terrified too (not relishing possible egg on face!) but onwards wins out always.

'A smattering of snow in the Boglands' Oil on canvas 8" X 8

I will, of course, continue to make smaller studies but there will shortly be some giant pieces coming into the mix! I will keep you posted on here as to how it all develops.

'To Rin Roe & Beyond' Oil on canvas 8" X 8"

In the meantime I am back to the drawing board – literally!

I’m headed to Kerry this weekend for a short stay armed only with a sketchbook and  some drawing materials. I can’t begin to tell you the anxiety incited by a near empty car (you usually couldn’t squeeze a lollipop in there!) but as my work gets more abstract, I am becoming vitally aware of the need to document my response and relationship to the landscape directly in a pared back fashion. Less is more themsay (except for shoes!).

2012 is GO!

Ok so despite best intentions and all those new years ressies! 2012 is well and truly up and running, it’s nearly Summer for God’s sake  and I am still not the regular blogger of my dreams! So Happy New Year, HVD (for all the Valentines) and Happy Spring!

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.

The show will go on … and on! Mexican Odyssey at Origin Gallery 4-24 October

Just a quick pop in here to let you know that my ‘Mexican Odyssey’ Show has been expanded and extended to show at Origin Gallery, 83  Harcourt St, Dublin from 4th – 25th October.

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

My ‘Mexican Odyssey’ at the Mexican Embassy of Ireland until 30th Sept. 2011

Some of you may remember my trip down to Mexico, a couple of years ago, to make art.  I am now delighted to tell you that this work, and some more recent paintings inspired by that journey, are currently being exhibited in my ‘Mexican Odyssey’ Show  at The Mexican Embassy of Ireland, 19 Raglan Rd, Ballsbridge, Dubin.

'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!

Open Studio Fri 19 – Sun 28 August 11am – 4pm daily

 

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

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