Geraldine Smyth

I see my work as a connection between the landscape and the person, exploring links between death, burial, destruction, life and rewilding. I live in Kildare near Ummeras Bog, a wetlands area where moss, heather, lichen, bog oak and turf cutting are prevalent. It is my primary muse- our history in a living, changing ecosystem that inspires me visually and emotionally.

When I walk the bog, and take in its industrial bleakness along with its regrowth, the landscape speaks to me and soothes me. My process is to take photographs, make sketches and collect the natural materials that can be found there, this work acts as inspiration and directly informs my final sculptures. I used a range of experimental techniques to create these 3D paintings incorporating natural materials.

These two works represent my personal experience with 'grief'. A reflection of the past and future, 'healing and renewal'.