Local Arts and Crafts

Ballydehob and the West Cork region is renowned for its accomplished artists and crafts people, and their work often reflects the inspiration taken from the beauty of their surroundings. A rich variety of skills, both traditional and innovative and in many cases complemented by contemporary influences from further afield, offer a unique choice; here are some of our local artists, just to whet your appetite.
 

Patricia Carr – Artist

Patricia Carr was born in Northern Ireland in 1965. She studied Drawing and Painting at Edinburgh College of Art from 1984 – 1987. Patricia qualified as an Art therapist in 1989. She worked in the mental health sector in Northern Ireland and Scotland until moving to Ireland in 2001.

Patricia began painting again professionally in 2002 and works predominantly in watercolour and pen and ink. She works directly from the subject, which until recently, has been ruined buildings within the landscape. Her method of working is very direct and spontaneous which gives her paintings a great vitality and liveliness.

Sparrograda, Ballydehob.

Richard Hodgson – Artist

Richard studied Fine Art at Kingston, Wimbledon & West Surrey Colleges of Art, England – B.A. Fine Art (painting), and has lived and worked in Ballydehob, Co. Cork since 1983.

Group Exhibitions at Royal Academy (London), Royal West of England Academy (Bristol), Wallcott Gallery (Bath), Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours exhibitions London Ireland ‘95 (Zurich), ArtIreland, (Whiteley’s, London), Kent Gallery (Kinsale), West Cork Arts Centre (Skibbereen), Private Collector Gallery, (Inishannon), Green Gallery (Bantry), Seagull Gallery (Schull), Grainstore Gallery (Schull)

Portrait Commissions, Bantry Bay Hotel, Bantry, Co. Cork.
Public Collections: Allied Irish Bank, Office of Public Works, Dublin, Commune de Cleden, Cap Sizun, France
Private collections: Ireland, UK, Europe and America.

Cooragurteen, Ballydehob

Sonia Caldwell – Sculptress

Sonia moved to West Cork from Dublin and the main focus of her work is figurative stone sculpture and painting. Her themes would tend towards the mythical and mystical elements of life, however she likes to remain flexible in themes and materials and is always experimenting and evolving.

Over the years Sonia has also worked with wood, paper-making,fabric, willow and many more materials, and she has also collaborated with the West Cork Arts Centre and other local groups.

Kilcoe, Ballydehob