The Leitrim Design House are proud to have launched the first group exhibition of Sinann Circle, an eclectic gathering of local female artists, craft makers and designers from the Leitrim region. A reception launch was held in The Leitrim Design House on Saturday the 28th of January where members of the public had an opportunity to meet these visionary creators.
These artists & makers came together through a training programme provided by The Leitrim Design House and facilitated by local painter Barry Murphy. They continued to support each other throughout the pandemic, recognising the value of the connections formed. The ‘Sinann circle’ was formed to help further their creative endeavours and comprises of Craft Maker Fiona O’Driscoll, Jeweller Erika Marks, Designer Edel McWeeney , Potter/Ceramic Artist Bairbre Kennedy, Textile Artist Catherine Gray, Glass Artist Colette Langan and Visual Artist Cathy Reynolds.
Fiona O’Driscoll of Sundew Crafts works with wool to create work that celebrates the innocence of childhood and the beauty of the natural world, in particular the wildlife and landscape of Leitrim. The pieces for this exhibition are one off, knitted from naturally dyed organic Irish wool and framed with dogwood. View Fiona's work here.
Erika Marks makes jewellery in silver and gold that holds echoes of the past, like treasures newly discovered. She works to commission, enjoying the process of creating pieces that have personal meaning for a client.
EZxploring creates walking trail games and playground guides which help local authorities’ direct visitors, newcomers, and locals to a range of free outdoor activities in each county. Designed and printed here in Leitrim by Edel McWeeney Moran and her husband, Kevin Moran.
Bairbre Kennedy returned home to Leitrim in 2017 to set up Lichen Ceramics in Manorhamilton. She is inspired by the varied, lush landscapes of both North and South Leitrim, which are starkly different. They move from mountain views to hidden riverscapes and rose filled hedgerows. The inspiration of these landscapes allows her to incorporate the local clays and colours of her native county into her ceramic paintings. View Bairbre's work here.
Catherine Gray is a textile artist who also finds inspiration in the Leitrim Landscape. She loves to work with reclaimed family fabrics and papers that hold their own memories, creating new beginnings for collected fibres. Catherine works instinctively combining a variety of techniques through a unique combination of both painting and stitching.
Colette Langan is a glass artist who trained in the restoration of medieval stained glass. She merges this influence with glass fusing to create contemporary glass pieces. View Catherine's work here.
Cathy Reynolds is a visual artist/painter based in Leitrim. Her work takes inspiration from the local environment, particularly woodland areas. Cathy’s pieces in this show are a combination of original landscape paintings and hand painted Celtic name designs.
This exhibition showcased a wide range of materials, skills and techniques that have been inspired by Leitrim landscapes, celebrating the local creative community and the wealth of talent we have in the region.
