A day in February

The past few days have been sprinkled with dusting's of snow and biting winds snaking up my spine, resulting in me perched over the radiator in the studio. However, when I gaze out the window I'm met with a visual paradox; sunshine beaming through bottle blue skies. It could almost tempt you into thinking it was a pleasant warm spring day outside. 

I couldn't resist anymore, so I wrapped up in several layers and braved the elements and enjoyed the February sunshine at my local park. I was joined by a flock of alabaster mute swans and a sweet pilgrim goose. I was also momentarily in the company of a buzzard hawk (too camera shy!), who faced the wrath of squawking magpies who sent him on his way. My trophy from my outing was a renewed burst of energy, creativity and a miniature bouquet of crocuses to brighten up my studio. 

On a cold November day

As November departs, we leave behind autumn, and all the wondrous changes of colour it brings. Winter is on its way, and it brings with it its own magical touches; frost tipped fingers, cosy nights by a crackling fire, dreaming of the coming festivities, and pondering about what opportunities may await on the arrival of a brand new year. Here is my snapshot of the last day of November.

So long October

I went searching for the last signs of floral colour in a hidden secret garden, and I was lucky enough to find them in the form of endless hazy rows of lavender, lavishly decorated pansies, dahlias, sweet peas and spindly bouquets of forget-me-not. The trees were already nearly bare of their amber leaves, but a colour injection was more than welcome with the frosty days and darker evenings, which have already arrived. I'm already waiting patiently for the return of spring and summer, when I can begin my botanical pressing once again. 

It's in the details

A brief photographic snippet of an autumn morning in Dublin. My morning walk inspires me for the day, and the magnificent changes of colour feel like an invigorating jolt to the senses. 

The trapped autumn leaves under the rippling water were my very first inspiration for my resin work (minus the nosey swan). I've always been fascinated by such a seemingly insignificant detail to most people, but it always struck a chord with me. I felt like there was another world encapsulated beneath and waiting to be explored. That is true inspiration to an artist; a reference from nature, not from another person or their body of work. Stop for a moment and observe them; a play of light through autumnal leaves, outstretched shadows crawling across the landscape or a leaf caught beneath a puddle of rain. Little details in life can manifest into wonderful tangible works of art captured through the eyes and creativity of a true artist.

Autumn at Kilruddery

One of my favourite past times is to venture off into the beautiful neighbouring county of Wicklow. Known as the 'Garden of Ireland', Wicklow has many delights to offer those who possess a sense of constant wanderlust. 

Kilruddery House in Bray, is one of those places that pulls you back to a forgotten time. The estate features an imposing 17th century mansion and rolling vistas, which plunge deep into the distant mountainous abyss. After a stroll around the estate, the enchanting tea rooms offer a restorative fix in the form of sweet treats and hot cups of frothy cappuccinos. The pretty little vases of flowers on each table were the icing on the cake (or should I say almond cookie). The gardens in high summer are a blissful place, but autumn too has its own sense of magic.

The last traces of summer are evident with the yarrow, roses and cosmos peaking through the fallen shrubbery. The floral specimens are peculiarly juxtaposed with tumbling amber toned leaves, scattered acorns, and mushrooms protruding from the soft manicured lawns. The overall feel is one of beautiful unbridled transition, and reaffirms my love for nature and the curious and intriguing changes it manifests. 

In my hands

October is finally here; my favourite month. Not only was I born in October (which entitles me to love it even more) it also radiates a dazzling spectrum of colours, and possesses a palpable sense of 'hygge'. Furthermore, it marks the end of the foraging season for me. The next few weeks will be a busy time stocking up.

Wherever I go I'm always scanning my surroundings for that one exquisite find. Mother Nature is my supply closet, and I usually end each day with a handful of curiosities from her seasonal collection. Here's a few of those treasures; from blackberries, acer seeds, hawthorn berries to the first fallen autumn leaves. 

Forest Foraging

Today marked a much needed supply run to the mountains. Mottlegill mushrooms, moss and woodland ferns were top of the list, and I found a bountiful selection of them within the depths of the forest. The recent rain showers had enticed a profusion of botanicals to emerge through the undergrowth and reveal their delights. 

I also managed to stumble upon some floral treats in the form of buttercups (Ranunculus bulbosus), Eyebright (Euphrasia) and the rambling Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum). It was a job well done and allowed me to enrich my botanical collections once more for some brand new projects on the horizon.

Farm Life

Whenever I have the opportunity to leave the bustle of the Lost Forest studio, I love to escape to my fiancé's farm to clear the cobwebs and re-ignite my creative inspirations. I always return home with a clearer outlook, and I'm usually eager to get back to work and begin new projects. 

Here's a little snapshot of the infinite beauty of rural Ireland and the idyllic vistas found on the farm. The evening sunsets are particularly magical at this time of the year, and bid a final dazzling display at the culmination of each day.

Lost Forest arrives at the Design Loft

Lost Forest is now available to purchase at the Design Loft in the stunningly beautiful Powerscourt Estate. It is a great privilege to showcase my work in such an esteemed shop and location. 

Powerscourt is a place I've visited since I was a young child and it holds an abundance of happy memories. It's still a regular escape for me away from the studio, and the spectacular formal gardens always boost my creative inspirations. Now Lost Forest sits at home in these sumptuous surroundings, tempting and enchanting passing visitors to this magical place. 

The Design Loft lies upstairs in Powerscourt House and is a little treasure trove of Irish craft and design; rotating artists every few months to allow everyone a chance to present their products and passions to the world. 

Over the last few weeks, I've been very busy preparing all my stock for the 1st of July deadline: boxing, stamping, polishing, pricing, painting and even some building. My wonderful and creative dad built my stepped display stand, which we painted in my signature duck egg blue to match the Puddle Plate display box. I also included natural elements into the arrangement, such as cut wooden stumps from my boyfriend's farm, and mosses, shells and wild grasses making the nature theme more emphatic and reinforcing that all the inclusions within the resin are real and picked straight from the Irish landscape. 

I was extremely happy and proud of the result; a very unique display for a very unique product. So, of course we had to mark the occasion in the sunny garden cafe with some early morning celebratory carrot cake and a frothy mug of coffee. A job well done. I'll be at the Design Loft until August.