Lelia O’Callaghan
she/her
Com Dhíneol - Waves 1- IV
A deep affinity for water, rooted in my upbringing by the sea in Cork, inspires both my art and environmental advocacy. While my childhood dreams of becoming a marine biologist shifted, my fascination with coastal landscapes and the urgency of climate change persists.
The sea offers me clarity and tranquillity, whether in peaceful reflection or wrestling with complex thoughts. My creative process, characterised by its non-linearity and fluidity, draws from diverse sources like site visits, sketches, and en plein air paintings.
Influenced by artists such as Maggi Hambling, Ruth Asawa, and Pauline Bewick, I strive to capture the dynamic essence of the sea in the ‘Wave’ series. Using watercolour’s fluidity, I aim to depict its ever-changing nature, balancing spontaneity with controlled technique in every brushstroke. Ultimately, my goal is to invite viewers to immerse themselves in the rhythmic cadence of the waves, evoking both their physical presence and emotional resonance.
Waves II - Com Dhíneol , watercolour on 140lb cold pressed Arches, 56cm x 76cm