Rosemary Warren

Rosemary Warren works from her studio in The Cooley Peninsula. Her work is mainly influenced by her immediate environment. Rosemary’s work has been exhibited on many occasions at the Royal Hibernian Academy, Iontas, Castleblayney, The Solomon Gallery Dublin and the Kenny Gallery, Galway. She has also exhibited widely throughout the country. She is a member of the North Louth artists with whom she exhibits annually. She currently lectures in Visual Arts Education at St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra.

 

Read an interview with Rosemary here:

How did you begin your career as an artist?
Although I have always been making art I began to exhibit following the completion of a number of fine arts modules at the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. On my return to Ireland, I held my first solo show and I began to submit work for juried exhibitions. As a result, I have had my work exhibited at the RHA on ten occasions and three times at Iontas. I was a gallery artist at the Solomon Gallery, Powerscourt Townhouse, Dublin and my work was exhibited annually in the Christmas and summer shows. I also exhibited regularly at the Kenny Gallery, Galway. I have been a member of the North Louth Painters for thirty years and I have shown work annually at the summer exhibition.
To date, I have had six solo exhibitions. The last, which was held in the Basement Gallery, Dundalk, was sold out in the first hour. I am currently working towards my next solo show.

What factors were important in helping you decide to make that your profession?
Making art has always given me a tremendous amount of personal fulfilment and satisfaction. When I attended St. Vincent’s Secondary School, art was not available as a subject choice h because there was no art teacher in the school. Despite never having an art lesson, art was one of the subjects I sat for my leaving certificate. I was totally self- taught prior to my time in Canada, where I attended a number of modules in Fine Art at Calgary University. As a Primary Teacher, I was fascinated by children’s drawings and the role of art in education and as a result, I have combined a career as a professional artist with that of Primary Teacher and more recently, lecturer in Visual Art Education at St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra. Although I have taken early retirement as head of the Visual Arts Education Department, I still lecture part time in the College and I am also involved in research in the area of Visual Arts Education.

What advice would you give to anyone who is thinking of making art as a profession?

Be true to yourself. Be aware of but don’t follow or try to copy the latest artistic trend or fashion. Develop your own style and have the courage to plough your own furrow. Cultivate your creativity and individuality.

How important is Gallery representation for you?

It was very important for me at the beginning of my career. It helped to establish me as a credible artist. I now choose to work towards solo exhibitions because I feel that this gives me more freedom to paint when and what I choose.

Can you tell us about the artworks you have in our collection?

Winter Light Fades on Foy was inspired by a section of pathway that leads me towards Foy. The light fades an hour or two earlier on this side of the mountain because it is north facing. I was trying to capture that fading light as the autumn evening. The inspiration for Still Life in Purple came from flowers and unusual fruits that I saw in a garden centre, along with pieces of translucent fabric found among the numerous pieces of fabric which I collect for use in still life work.
The third work was commissioned by Louth County Council for the Council Chambers in County Hall and is inspired by the landscape of County Louth. It is a 40ft mural which depicts a journey through Louth beginning in Drogheda at dawn and ending in the north of the County as dusk descends.

Tell us a little about your current practice?
At present, I am working towards a solo exhibition. Two predominant themes are emerging. The first is marine-based and the second is influenced by how light and shadow transform everyday objects. I am setting myself challenges and working on personal subjects that interest me.

Find out more about this artist here: www.rosemarywarren.com
Watch a short film of Rosemary talking about her practice here: