Education
Maeve O’Hare is an Artist based in Cork City, Ireland. Maeve studied ‘Fine Art Studies’ at the Rupert Stanley College in Belfast N Ireland in the early 80’s. She is a graduate of Ulster University (Belfast Art College) in 1987 where she received a BA Hons in Fashion and Textile Design, she is a graduate of University College Cork, Ireland with H/Dip in History of Art in 2010 and she graduated there again with a Masters/Post Graduate PCICE in 2014. In between and afterwards Maeve has completed various other courses, one in Bronze casting (lost wax process) at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design in the USA in 1995, a stained glass course and over the years she has continued to study life drawing at various venues for the past ten years including the Crawford College of Art and Design in Cork, Ireland.
My Career
"Growing up in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, I found solace in the natural world and the creative arts. From a young age I was encouraged to create and I was drawn to the beauty of landscapes and seascapes in those early years. I was given my first camera at eight years old and won my first art competition that same year. This set me on a path that would see me go on to study Fine Art Studies and later, Fashion and Textile Design at Ulster University.’ Throughout my life and career, I have explored various mediums and disciplines. My artistic practice is characterized by a deep appreciation for the natural world and a fascination with the ways in which science, nature and creativity intersect. This lifelong exploration are evident in my work which I feel is a reflection of those experiences, influences, and passions. I have travelled widely and been exposed to other Cultures, Art and Architecture. My experiences living in Ireland and the USA have influenced my work, and I am drawn to capturing the unique light and atmosphere of these landscapes again..
Current Work
My current landscape and Seascape series is called ‘Tellus Bella’ and the idea is from ‘Spiritus Terrae et Maris’ the spirit of the land and Sea. I have been working on this series for the past number of years and it borders between abstraction and representation. Although my work is inspired by my large photographic collection, it is also informed by my tacit knowledge of the places I have travelled to, things I've seen and my life experiences as these all inform the choices I make within my compositions.
The ‘Tellus Bella’ (beautiful land/earth’) Abstract series are partially influenced by the landscapes and seascapes of Ireland with my focus on illuminating the beauty of our natural world and the desire to call out the devastation climate change is having on our precious earth. From the rugged landscapes of Ireland to the majesty of the ocean, I seek to capture the essence these scenes and the emotions they evoke through the use of light, colour and form in my Artwork. I want my work to speak directly to the emotions of the viewer and to transport them to another place. This work is a reflection of my deep connection and interpretaion of nature, my fascination with the world around me, and my desire to create something beautiful and meaningful. I am constantly inspired by my surroundings and my work is a testament to the power of art to capture and convey the beauty and complexity of life. My aim is to inspire others to appreciate our natural world and the components of colour, line, shape, form, value, texture and space present within our beautiful landscapes. My vision is for the viewer to be transported to another place.
Through my experiences as an Artist, and a fashion and textile designer, I developed a keen eye for texture, colour, and composition. My subsequent exploration of interior design, photography and bronze casting further expanded my creative palette. I enjoy experimenting with various mediums, including painting, printmaking, and photography to discover, capture and relay this beauty I find in the human form, nature and from other creative forms such as music. However, it has been the landscapes and seascapes of Ireland that has remained a constant source of inspiration in my current artistic practice and which is rooted in exploring this interplay of light, texture, and atmosphere.
With a studio in Cork, Ireland, I am committed to creating art that resonates with those who experience it." As I continue to develop my practice, I am excited to explore new themes and ideas, and to share my work with a wider audience. I am committed to creating art that is both personal and universal, and to building connections with others through my work." As I embark on this new chapter in my life I am excited to share my work with a wider audience and explore the possibilities of gallery representation.
Memberships
I am a member of Visual Artists Ireland, Dublin Ireland
I am a member of Cork Printmakers, Cork, Ireland
I am a member of the Lavit Gallery,Cork Ireland