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.

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.

Midsummer meadows

June has always been a favourite month of mine; with its warm sunny days, long evenings enrobed in florescent sunsets, pond lilies flaunting their form, and wildflower meadows splashed with vibrant colour and energetic life. Poppies in particular exude such a powerful and evocative display. Their blood red petals are traditionally symbolic of bloodshed and death, becoming emblematic of the catastrophic loss of life during the World Wars. It's this poignancy combined with angelic beauty that makes it such a bewitchingly beautiful wildflower.

I gathered a few poppies and cornflowers for my botanical supplies. While I was prepping some petals for pressing, I was so inspired by the rich ruby red tone of the silk-like petals. I had an urge to create a piece right away and this became the newest necklace in store (on sale in the Design Loft, Powerscourt Estate)- 'Crystals & Rubies' using the same tonal palette as the poppies. I used my own pressed sprigs of gypsophila, which I had dyed red. They almost look like tiny versions of real poppies with their circular heads bobbing upon their elegant elongated stems. I also added swirls of ruby red dye to the resin to heighten the colour. You can read more about the piece here, and purchase a completely one-of-a-kind item of jewellery.

Hello from the Lost Forest

Welcome to my new blog. I hope you'll click and subscribe, and follow my new journey through the Irish woodlands, secret gardens and days spent on the farm. I will be offering a little photographic pathway into my world as a designer and a perpetual daydreamer.

Today I spent a sunny spring afternoon in my local park to collect some beautiful wildflowers and marvel at the dappled light flickering through the trees. Bluebells and cow parsley were blooming brightly under the watchful eye of ancient trees. Days like these always fill me with a renewed sense of creativity and inspiration; providing me with a much needed boost to start sketching lots of brand new ideas.