Visual Arts Bursary Award 2021, The Arts Council of Ireland

The impact of Covid 19 on artists has been profound and it’s hard to predict when things will return to normal. Over the past number of years, I have largely been consumed by deadline-driven exhibition work for two large solo shows, both of which have subsequently been postponed or potentially cancelled.  While this is hugely disappointing and carries a financial strain, it does mean that I now have the opportunity to take an extended period of time to re-engage with my practice. This award would help to cover the costs of running my studio, allowing for an extended period of time to think, research, create and explore new directions. These include experimenting with scale, alternative photographic techniques and materials, as well as extending the narrative potential of the work.