Fermanagh-based artist Cilla Patton works predominantly in acrylic paints, creating fine art pieces that have evolved from figurative to nearly abstract in style.

However, as an artist, Cilla doesn't like to pigeonhole herself by describing her work as a particular style, explaining how each piece is a new story to her which she has to "try and work out".

Recently, she was awarded third prize in Fermanagh and Omagh District Council's 'Art in Your Pocket' exhibition, that was showcased at the Strule Arts Centre, Omagh throughout December and will move to the Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen in February.

Here Cilla talks to The Impartial Reporter about her artistic background, what inspires her work and where she exhibits her art.

Where are you from and where are you currently based?

I was born in Canada and then lived in Germany, Norway, France and eventually Switzerland. My father was Swiss and my mother English/Irish.

I’m married to an Irishman and have been living in Fermanagh for the past 30 years.

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

I have always painted and ‘made things’ and when I moved to Fermanagh, I started going to art classes in the Tech [South West College] in Enniskillen.

Kate Sheridan was the excellent teacher who encouraged me to sit my art A-Levels, which hadn’t been part of my early education abroad.

For a year I attended a full-time Art Craft and Design course in Monaghan, followed by a Foundation course in Lurgan.

Art college in Belfast was the next step and I completed a BA Hons in Fine Art from the University of Ulster.

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

My studio is in a loft in our yard. Apparently, in years past, coffins were made in this space. Painting also transports you to another world! Which is why we are drawn to art and have a need for it.

What inspires your art?

My work is inspired by many things. It’s a sort of journal of my life. Music, theatre, books, poetry all feed into my work, and of course, colour.

I always have a notebook on me wherever I go. The first time I met Diane Henshaw, the Fermanagh [and Omagh District Council] Arts Officer, was in a cafe when she spotted me doodling in my notebook.

Who/what are your biggest influences?

Two tutors at art college were a great influence: David Crone, that wonderful painter who in a couple of conversations made me understand how to really paint, and David Ledsham, who challenged my thinking about art.

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

I mostly work in acrylics and some mixed media, which means plastering the canvas with anything you can. It’s all about getting the colours to work.

How would you describe your artistic style?

When asked what my style is, I don’t have an answer. It has evolved from figurative towards nearly abstract, but every painting is a new story to me which I have to try and work out.

Do you exhibit your work anywhere?

Hambly & Hambly are currently showing some of my work. Ciara Hambly has such a passion for art, which is encouraging, and keeps developing her gallery in new directions.

I also have some work on show in the Strule Arts Centre, Omagh and the Engine Room Gallery, Belfast.

Exhibitons include, amongst others, at the RUA Belfast, the Ashford Gallery Dublin, and the Mall Galleries London.

Some of my work is in public collections such as the Department of Finance and British Airport Authorities, and Ballinglen Arts Foundation.

An interesting project I worked on was putting together an art collection for a hospital. It is now proven that patients fare better when they have art to look at.

What are you up to when you aren’t creating art?

When I’m not painting I grow vegetables and pollinator-friendly flowers. The Fermanagh landscape is so beautiful and walking through it is for me often a near spiritual experience. How lucky I am to live here.