Bernie Murphy, a textile artist from the North West of Ireland, embodies the belief that "making offers an insight into the lived experience." Her journey into textile art was a natural progression shaped by her upbringing and environment.
From a young age, Bernie learned the craft of knitting and sewing from her grandmother and mother, integrating these skills into her daily life. Starting her career in the local textile manufacturing industry, she further honed these skills and received formal training in patternmaking and cutting room techniques in Dublin. This training equipped her with the technical expertise to transform her creative ideas into reality.
Bernie's transition from manufacturing to design led her to pursue further education, including a HNC in Spatial Design, a HND in Fashion and Textile Design, and a BA Hons in Fine and Applied Art. These qualifications cemented her path as a textile artist.
Living in Buncrana, Donegal, on the Wild Atlantic Way, greatly influences Bernie's work. The region's natural beauty—its ocean blues, patchwork fields, and earthy tones—provides endless inspiration for her contemporary garment sculptures. Bernie's collections, designed to be worn or displayed, capture the spirit and unpredictable beauty of her surroundings, reflecting the rich textile traditions of Donegal. Her work is a celebration of her heritage and the natural world.
