Kick Up The Arts #18: Melissa O’Faherty

THE ARTIST by The Artist
I live in Greystones with my husband Peter and my 4 great kids, Eoin , Ryan, Lucy & Zoe. I graduated in Visual Arts, from Dun Laogharire College of Art, back in the ’90s and then emigrated to Boston, U.S.

After working & living there for several years as a graphic designer in large advertising agencies, myself & Peter moved back to Greystones. In 2001, we set up the company Doubleodesign, which is still going strong.

After taking a break from work, I re-directed my creative energies back into visual art. Currently, I have my own art practice and studio on a beautiful old farm in Delgany, Co.Wicklow.

My Work…

Two Moons and Disquietude by Melissa O’Faherty

Both these works made for a group show in Bray Signal Arts Centre (Jan 2015). They are charcoal drawings on Fabriano paper in an abstract
expressive style.

New World by Melissa O’Faherty

This drawing is a work in progress, for a show in Bray Signal Arts Centre in 2016. The show is about new imagined worlds that are evolving around us.

Release by Melissa O’Faherty

This is from a series of drawings that I am currently making. It is based on birds, their qualities & fragility.

My Inspirations…

Woldgate Woods by David Hockney

I have admired and followed this famous English painter’s work for years. When I was in art college, I loved his early work from California of clear
blue swimming pools, and, more recently, I’ve admired his paintings of his native Bradford, UK. I love his confident use of colour and scale.

The Broken Naomhog by Hughie O’Donoghue

I have only recently come to learn about this highly acclaimed expressionist painter. Looking through his work is such a treat. I really enjoy his style of painting and wonderful use of colour & tone. Currently, this summer, one of his larger works is on display at County Hall, Co. Wexford, which would be well worth a visit.

Arno Kramer

This contemporary visual artist hails form the Netherlands though he visits Ireland a lot and is inspired by our landscape and poetry. I really like his style of layered drawings. He had made large drawing installations which are very interesting.

If you would like to learn more about Melissa’s work and upcoming exhibitions, click here for her main website, or on the Facebook logo.