My
name is Beth Moran. I live on a small island off the west coast of Ireland
called Clare Island. Clare Island is a rugged but beautiful island four miles
out in the Atlantic Ocean. Having a population of only 150 means you know
everyone and get an extended sense of family. It also means there is no place
to hide and everyone is going to know everything. I started weaving on the island 20 years ago.
Working in a small workshop on the north side of the island, I endeavour to
create unique hand-woven pieces. Each piece I create is a one-off piece and is
entirely distinctive. I work with materials varying from the finest silk to the
wool from our own sheep.
The
island definitely has proven to be a source of great inspiration for my work;
the natural beauty and ever changing colours encourage artistic expression and
is represented in my work through an infinitely changing palette of pattern and
colour as well as texture. It is also a place
that awards one the peace and quiet necessary to weave and create unique pieces.
However, island life is not without its difficulties. Unpredictable weather can
lead to the boats being unable to run. This means that you can be stranded on
the island until the weather improves. When planning to travel to a show the
forecast is closely followed and if it looks bad an extra day or two would be
added to the journey coming out early to avoid missing the event altogether. Despite the inconvenience Clare Island is
still a magnificent place to live. A place of space and safety.
I
have a small shop attached to my workshop where visitors can come and see work
in progress and run courses from April to September for all levels of students.
Why not engage in an adventure and come out for a visit!
Beth Moran will be showing her work at MADE LONDON in October.
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