In my more recent work I have begun to explore themes which are deeply personal to myself. Some of the themes include: Disability rights, chronic pain, religion and women's rights. I'm intrigued by how areas of these subjects weave together in our society, and how they are woven into my own personal journey.
Every Thing Will Get Better…
Exhibited in NCAD Dublin & 126 Gallery Galway
Our bodies allow us to gain knowledge about the world, to seek pleasure and feel pain. As someone who has dealt with chronic pain since I was 10 years old, I have spent a lot of time unconsciously learning to tune out or ignore signals from my body. Taking the time to examine the feelings and experiences surrounding chronic pain and incorporating them into the pieces I'm creating has expanded my practice to a very personal level.
My dream for the new world is to communicate the multi-layered experience of chronic conditions to a wider audience, and my hope is that a wider understanding will lead to changes in our community to make the world a more cozy and understanding place.
Float
Exhibited NCAD 2023
jellyfish have no bones or brain so can not experience pain the way humans do.
A dream for a person with Chronic Pain to float in warm water pain free.
Using a collection of hidden words on each piece that describe chronic pain, the mark each letter leaves as it is hammered into the metal also represents the lasting physical and emotional scars left from years of pain, But the word float is also hidden on each piece, a hope that moments of ease can be found.
Look Above
Exhibited NCAD 2023
My relationship with religion feels distant compared to generations before. Our generation is far more aware of the flaws in organised religion and the pain it has caused. But at the same time religion brings such a comfort and a sense of community to so many. There was a joy in spending time in places and with objects that meant so much to people I loved.
I have designed a sterling book to represent my family's history with carved rose at the heart inspired by the wooden roses my grandad carved on the ceiling of Galway Cathedral.
My second piece is inspired by stained glass windows and medieval design. Agate is thought to rebalance and harmonize the body, mind and spirit. The two gemstones represent our past and present existing in harmony.
The religious icon I've always been captivated by is the Immaculate Heart. A symbol of a mother's love and sorrow. It's a visually striking symbol that has been re-invented and used throughout modern visual culture
Once Upon A Time…
Exhibited John Gunn photography exhibition 2021, NCAD 2023
I moved home for what I thought would be a week in March 2020, not knowing it would turn into 18 months. In a time full of stress and sadness my art and creativity was a much needed release.
Each photo in this self portrait series was taken in my childhood home and garden, using mainly household objects and craft supplies. This time made me even more grateful for my parents. Still supportive as their adult child wandered around the house in ever more elaborate creations…
Storytelling was the Inspiration for the shoots, In turbulent times we find solace in stories of the community. They can be facts, fiction or fairytales depending on the storyteller and on the listener. They can bring joy but also lessons and warnings. Heed the tales of your elders for one day you may need them..
