Artist Maria currently exhibiting work with Hambly & Hambly at Ardhowen Theatre

The exhibition, entitled 'Time-Lapse', will continue until August 27.

Here, Maria talks to The Impartial Reporter about her artistic background, what she is currently working on and what inspires her art.

Maria Noonan McDermott.

Where are you from and where are you currently based?

I am originally from Donegal, but I now live and work from my studio in Kinlough, Co. Leitrim, nestled between the borders of Leitrim, Donegal, Fermanagh and Sligo.

'Celtic Dreams'.

What is your artistic background?

My artistic journey stems from my early childhood experiences. My mum was a fashion designer and my dad was a beautiful writer, so it was only natural that I grew up with a creative mind, a sense of wonderment about the world around me, and an imagination that was overstimulated.

'Summer's Last Dance'.

It was when I was in my teens studying art in secondary school and attending painting workshops during my summer holidays, that I made the decision to follow in my mum’s footsteps and pursue a career in fashion design in Dublin.

It was there that I developed my passion for art and design.

'The Clearing'.

In the course of my studies, I had the opportunity to design and create a full collection for the London and Paris Fashion Weeks, and I watched in awe as my creations strutted down the catwalk!

College life in Dublin in the 1980s was an exciting time, but it just wasn’t for me. I decided to return to college and explore Fine Art and rekindle my love of painting.

In 1990, I had my first solo exhibition, and I have been progressing with it ever since.

Maria Noonan-McDermott with 'The Red Chair'

What inspires your art?

As an artist and poet, my work is intuitive. I believe that art reflects life and we bring our personal self, an element of who we are, to each and every work.

'Time-Lapse' Exhibition at Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen

My paintings represent not only a visual impression but also my emotional response to the subject matter.

The natural landscape around me, the quality of light and shade with its changing vistas, ignite possibilities that have influenced my work continuously over the years.

I am inspired by the shared colloquial history of my island where stories and the people are often ingrained into the landscape.

'Serenade'.

How would you describe your artistic style?

I paint mainly in oils or acrylics, but over the years I have experimented and worked with many different mediums.

My technique is primarily Impressionistic in style, as I slowly and gradually build layer upon layer, using the paint to build texture and structure to the work.

There may also be an element of abstraction there. In my landscapes, the sky, sea and land can meld into one, and often my figurative paintings are devoid of features, giving them a timeless element.

In this way, they become as I am, rooted and ingrained in the land.

'Poetry in Motion'

Any new artistic ventures planned for the rest of 2022?

I’m excited by the prospect of exhibiting for the first time with the Ulster Society of Women Artists in Crumlin Road Gaol, Belfast this month, August 2 to 12.

My ‘Time-Lapse’ touring solo exhibition continues on to The Alley Arts and Conference Centre in Strabane, Co. Tyrone from November 21 to December 23.

Do you exhibit your work anywhere?

My work is represented by Hambly & Hambly Gallery, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh; Lahinch Art Gallery, Co. Clare; Hamilton Gallery, Sligo; Gallery 1608, Bushmills, Co. Antrim; and The Leitrim Design House, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim.

They are also held in private and corporate collections throughout Ireland, the UK and in locations across Europe and America.

'Changing Patterns'.

What are you currently working on?

My current touring solo exhibition, ‘Time-Lapse’, is one that is very close to my heart.

[This exhibition is an ongoing project that Maria has been working towards over a number of years while helping care for her mother living with Alzheimers.]

This entire collection reflects the joys and struggles I have endured personally and within my creative practice over the past few years; a quiet time of observation, in which I leaned heavily on my art as a means of acceptance and healing.

It is a story that will resonate with others as they undertake their own journeys.

'The Empty Chair'.

I realise now that I have been gifted a profound experience which I would like to share with others.

I am hopeful that having this exhibition will prove cathartic for those about to embark on a similar journey, and may help others deal with their grief.

Living with Alzheimers is a time of heartbreak and sadness, and has an impact on every member of the family as we watch our loved ones slowly slip away.

But we can't deny that it is also a time of laughter, of shared precious moments and cherished memories, all of which will be celebrated in my new body of work.

The Abbey Arts Centre in Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal hosted the first of my opening launches, in February and March. Funding was awarded by The Irish Hospice Foundation, supported by The Creative Ireland Programme, with additional funding awarded by Leitrim County Council.

'The Red Chair'.

The Red Chair

A wash of colour, a few perpendicular lines and the room is staged.

With charcoal, I block in the chair with large sweeping marks.

Sturdy and solid,

the only thing grounded when all else is fleeting.

The Red Chair,

which wasn’t red at all!

But as time went on, every shade and variation became red

and she was drawn to it like a moth to light.

I sketch her face, a noble face, skin like parchment.

Her eyes glazed over and staring,

lips thin with an almost smile,

hair, long, loose the way she liked it.

I draw her comfortably into her red chair and stand back.

Hmm, there is something not quite right?

I wipe it clean and start again.

I close my eyes and imagine my hands gliding down the length of

her fragile frame.

It is as familiar to me as my own.

I know every joint and muscle from my daily care and love.

Again, I turn to the canvas and paint with vigour,

recalling each limb from head to toe until I have captured her essence.

Her soft delicate bones, skin so translucent she should surely disappear!

But, there is no fear as she sits within the passage of time

in the company of the spirits.

She lives each moment with reverence.

No past, no future.

Each heartbeat, a precious sacred gift.