ARTIST Carmel Rudden was born in Surrey, but moved with her family to live in Co. Monaghan when her mother and father had retired, and she currently lives in Newbliss in the county.

She has an abstract and contemporary style, skilfully balancing bold colours with dark, moody tones, creating striking pieces of fine art.

Here she talks to The Impartial Reporter about her artistic background, what inspires her work and how she enjoys utilising various media.

What is your artistic background? Are you self-taught or did you go to art school/do courses?

I HAVE painted from an early age and I consider myself to be self-taught.

Over the years I have taken courses which have interested me, and that have stretched my understanding of the working processes, concepts and themes for developing my work.

What inspires your art?

THE freedom to express myself in a creative and meaningful way. This could mean experimenting using different techniques and a combination of different grounds.

Who/what are your biggest influences?

PEOPLE in general; I love watching the interaction of crowds – the amazing array of colour, their individual fashion sense, hairstyles, and the varying strides and stances of people.

Is there a specific place that you do your work? Do you have a studio?

I WORK from my kitchen and this means at times it's impossible to have a family meal at the dining table!

I have wonderful plans for a studio some time in the future, and it would mean constructing a log cabin.

What has been your most ambitious piece, to date?

I FEEL that preparing for an exhibition is one of the biggest challenges I can face, and working towards a solo exhibition has been mine.

This happened in Iontas [Arts, Theatre and Community Centre], Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan in 2007, entitled 'Identity'.

I always feel honoured to show my work and it's wonderful to be invited to show with fellow artists.

So any exhibition – be it solo, joint or group – is to me an ambitious project.

What different artistic media do you use and which is your favourite?

I HAVE never just used one artistic media, and have over the years experimented with print, oils, acrylic and sculpture, and I love the opportunity to utilise all of these into my work.

What are you currently working on?

I HAVE been collaborating with Celia Richard on a joint exhibition which [opened] on May 28 in the Solas Art Gallery in Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim.

Entitled 'Palimpsest', this exhibition has been two years in the making due to Covid-19; however, the delay has led to exploring how we, as humans, are able to adapt and navigate relationships, reinventing the norms of everyday living.

Any new artistic ventures planned for 2021?

I AM hoping to submit work for the summer exhibition in Ballinamore, and there is talk of another collaboration in the pipeline.