Irish Art Ep 14 - Part 2 of a 2 part interview with Maria Jordan O'Reilly

This is episode two of a two-part interview with visual artist Maria Jordan OReilly. Part one can be found here.

*Disclaimer - The open submission to the RHA has now closed. You can find more open submission opportunities on the OLIST or on the VAI website.

Maria Jordan OReilly is a late-emerging artist in her sixties. Her work is quite eclectic coming from a place of emotion and expresses that through using colour and texture, a mixture of acrylic pouring, mixed media, markers and watercolour. The subject matter of her pieces very from quite dark ideology to very light-hearted and almost whimsical depictions.

Childhood experiences have influenced the work that Maria is making now. It is the emotion around the memories that inspire these creations.

It is amazing how art that was made as a response to a very personal experience or feeling can evoke a genuine reaction in a complete stranger; thus the power and universality of art. 

The Creative Cornucopia Cavan was set up by Maria and a few of her peers as a way of coming together through the pandemic.

“Do it for yourself” - some great advice from Maria to any creative embarking on a journey of creative expression. 

We are both part of the Biscuit Community and are each celebrating our 1-year #biscuitbirthday! Biscuit is a community-driven organization that supports small business owners in the Creative sector. Biscuit helps small business owners who are passionate about their practice but need help in the business department.

“Dublin woman has view of Cavan” is a possibility for the title of her first solo exhibition and we discussed the concept with her for that.  We also discuss a plan of action for Maria moving forward in her artistic practice in a professional manner and are looking forward to seeing her exhibition come to fruition.

We started the Podcast in the first place because there are so many creative people near us but also because of technology it makes the world a smaller place. Yes, this is the Irish Art Podcast but we want to talk to all creatives, here and now, in every creative art discipline - discussing and debating what it takes to be an artist today. We are literally writing history for all creatives and artists that will come after us. It is important for us to share what we have learned and continue to learn from our mistakes and from others mistakes too. If we inspire one person on their journey then we have achieved an incredible task. 

We are planning to begin zoom creative sessions and in-person work along sessions so if that is something that you would be excited to get involved with please let us know. info@ballyrogan.com 

*Since the airing of this episode The Arklow Visual Arts is still looking for a gallery space in the town.