Artist Profile - Ciara Lewis
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Biography
Ciara was born and educated in Dublin, Ireland. She studied art and design at the College of Marketing and Design Dublin before moving to do Textile Printing in West Yorkshire. She moved to London to become a commercial printer before settling in Shropshire in 1992. She is a member of Abstract Edge, an established group of abstract artists which include previously exhibited artists Rae Harrison and most recently Ros Burns.Ciara’s first solo exhibition was in Dublin in 1984, since then she has exhibited where ever she has lived; extensively in Herefordshire and Shropshire since 1992.Ciara’s work ranges from expressionistic realism through to the purely abstract, using strong surface pattern and texture to capture her environment. Her work conveys a sense of calm, the use of strong colours subtly adding an element of tension and structure.
Artist Statement
My work explores the harbours of West Wales and is inspired by recent trips to Pembrokeshire. Harbours hold people and boats; and also release them out to the untamed sea, to the elements which both compel and frighten us. I have tried to convey the sense of protection of small ports and also the forces of the sea meeting their walls. I wanted to show these harbours from the liberating angles of birds, flying and `looking down` at these places. I am interested in the idea of departures and returns that harbours offer, and all the emotional journeys that this encompasses. Looking out beyond the safety of land always brings out the mixed feelings; yearning to travel and also a fear of facing what unknown forces lay ahead.