An Trilsean (the plait)

This exhibition showcases the work of three Clifden artists who are living and working in Connemara, Lydia Brow, Deborah Watkins and Colin Snow. The exhibition is part of the Clifden Arts Festival 2023 and will be held in Christ church, Church Hill, Clifden, Co Galway. Opening night Friday 15th September. Exhibition runs until 24th September.

Lydia Brow is a painter whose work is influenced by the dramatic landscape and coastline of the West. Her abstract paintings combine acrylics and mixed media to describe the ever-changing mood and atmosphere of Connemara. Her process is expressed through a freeness of style which draws from the collected images and colours of memory. Earthy tones and textures merge with a softness of light to depict the age-old land, while energetic greys and blues reflect the wildness of the coastline.

Deborah Watkins is a ceramic artist and painter whose work is inspired by the richness of the contours and colours of Connemara. Her ceramic landscapes are made in low relief using individually textured slabs of clay. Deborah applies her glazes deliberately and energetically in an attempt to portray the ethereal nature of the landscape.

Deborah uses acrylics, ink and mixed media in her paintings in a similar fashion and the two materials and methods sustain each other. 

Sparks flying and a ringing anvil means hot metal is being forced into artistic forms.

Colin Snow, a graduate of Letterfrack Furniture College, has been designing and crafting for over twenty-five years in his native Connemara.

Colin’s work showcases his masterful command of carbon steel and stainless steel, which are some of the hardest metals to sculpt. Colin pays homage to the surrounding natural wildlife whose habitats are most at risk.