Pipers series

In my latest mixed-media piece, I’ve brought to life the vibrant legacy of Irish travelling pipers from the early 1900s using bold pop art techniques. These musicians, like the iconic Johnny Doran, played a crucial role in preserving uilleann piping during a time when traditional music was at risk of fading. Performing at fairs and markets, they were more than just entertainers—they were storytellers, sharing a living history deeply rooted in families like the Wexford pipers.

While the piper’s image became linked to poverty after the Great Famine, their contribution to Irish music was vital, shaping modern players like Willie Clancy. The vivid colours in my artwork reflect the energy and resilience of these musicians, celebrating their character and the joy their music brought to communities.

I’m also currently working on a new series of pieces focused on modern-day pipers, continuing this tribute and adding to the collection.

Lens and layers: A visual mosaic

This selection of images is drawn from many different collections and exhibitions over the past 20 years, each piece reflecting a unique moment in my artistic journey. Influenced deeply by the rugged beauty of the Burren and the rich, diverse characters around me, my work has evolved through a blend of personal experiences and the landscapes that shape them. These photographs capture the essence of both the natural world and the human stories I encounter, offering a glimpse into the connections, emotions, and stories that continue to inspire my vision.