"The DOCK commission gave me time to continue my research and documentation of Irish wildlife, looking particularly at moths. Visiting new locations, specifically in Leitrim, to broaden and enhance my research. Collaborating and consulting with Tommy Early, a local organic farmer, who has protected and conserved the bog on his land and planted 20 acres of nursery trees. He’s also experienced in studying moths. His knowledge of Irish biodiversity gave insight into my subject matter and further develop my work.
Moths play an important role in our ecosystem. They are night-time pollinators supporting the growth of dozens of plants in our countryside and unfortunately, their population have been declining since the 1970’s. With the help of Tommy Earley I began to study and identify the different species of moths in my area. I gathered this research through various methods; a moth trap to capture and photograph them, without causing harm, as well as various books for identifying and learning about the different species.
I used these images to create drawings of the moths on torn paper, focusing on forms and textures. Inspired by how moths navigate, and their flight pattern when approaching light I created a floral print collage, directly printing plants from the studied environment in a circular, implying a light source.
Interested in exploring colour within the work, as well as integrating a new medium, I experimented with projecting a slideshow of digitally edited photographs of the moths onto the work. Recording a video of the slideshow of images projected onto the work. How the slideshow of images moved in a circular pattern around the work caught my eye, echoing the flight patterns of moths around lights.
I use many layers in the forms of different media within my work. I do this partly due to a constant interest in trying new things and expanding my art practice but also to demonstrate the depth and complexity of our natural environment.
Moths play an important role in our ecosystem and add so much beauty to our environment. Through my work, I want to bring focus to these amazing insects. Like Tommy Early, retaining our untouched farmlands, grasslands, and woodlands, using less pesticides and allowing the growth of a diverse range of flora is we can protect our moth population."
