Aisling Roche
7 August to 25 August 2019

For her first residency at Uillinn, Aisling Roche will explore her engagement with the sea, in particular the Salt Water Lake and Marine Nature Reserve that is Lough Hyne, investigating both the underwater landscape and the people who engage with it on a regular basis. 

Personal narratives, mythologies and family stories are integral to Aisling’s work, as is the study of all aspects of the sea. Whilst in studio, Aisling will develop a series of ceramic panels and photographs representing the individual and unique swimming signatures of the Lough Hyne Lappers.

As a regular swimmer in Lough Hyne, I have a distinctive visual perspective. I observe the ever-changing landscape of the lake throughout the seasons and the interaction that occurs as swimmers move through the lake. One of the things I have noticed over my years of swimming with a group is that every swimmer creates their own unique splash. I propose to celebrate this unique signature by creating a collaborative piece of art with the Lough Hyne Lappers during my residency, asking them to contribute by making their own narrative though hands-on experience and storytelling. It is important that the individuals recognise their own stories through oblique suggestions of symbolism.

Aisling will host two evenings with the Lough Hyne Lappers on Monday evening, 12 and 19 August, in her studio as part of her public engagement programme. She will also host studio visits by appointment. To find out more or to arrange a studio visit contact info@westcorkartscentre.com

Aisling Roche is an Irish artist who was born in Dublin and now lives and works in Spain, Baltimore, West Cork. She works predominantly in ceramics and photography. Her work includes sculptures, reliefs, photographs and multimedia pieces. Essentially elemental, her work incorporates earth, air, metal, fire and water. Aisling’s work is held in many private and public collections including St Vincent's Hospital, Dublin; Wigan and Leigh Borough Council, Greater Manchester; St. Louis High School, Dublin; and South West Fisheries, Inishcarra. Aisling has exhibited widely over the last 35 years and has completed numerous public and private art commissions including; Emerge (2000) a large multi-figurative ceramic piece for South West Fisheries and The Famine Wave (1999) a relief panel depicting the tsunami of emigration that was caused by the Great Irish Famine at St Louis High School, Dublin. She has work in collections nationally as well as in America, the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Australia. Aisling has received corporate client awards and public awards and her work has been supported by the Arts Council /An Chomhairle Ealaíon, Cork County Council and the National Sculpture Factory, Cork.

WCAC acknowledges the financial support of the Arts Council and Cork County Council in making these residencies possible.