The Art exhibition by three local artists at Jack O’Patsy Pottery, Friar St, Youghal, was opened last Monday night (Nov. 23rd 2009) by Ms. Bernie Heffernan, deputy principal of Pobailscoil na Tríonoíde and former art teacher to Andrea Cashell (ceramic artist), Martha Cashman (sculptor) and Diane Magee (painter).
Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

All three would agree that Ms. Heffernan was a huge influence on them as young teenagers, which ultimately lead to their careers as artists. Ms. Heffernan gave a very concise account of each of the artists work including insight into their techniques.

She also encouraged the crowds to come back another time to appreciate the quietness of both the art works and the space.  But as busy as this event was it still didn’t deter discerning art buyers from making their purchases! It was a really enjoyable night, punctuated with the arrival of delicious food, compliments of Gerald Esposito proprietor of Capri Bay, a local and much celebrated Italian restaurant.

Some of the guests in attendance were Mayor of Youghal Sandra McLellan and Deputy Mayor Michelle Hennessey and local artist Cormac Meegan with his wife Peg and of course Jack O’Patsy owner Patrick Collins.

The exhibition will run until December 18th 2009.  Opening hours 10am – 6pm Monday to Saturday and 12noon – 6pm on Sunday. Jack O’ Patsy Pottery, Friar st, Youghal, Co.Cork.

Click on image to enlarge

Youghal’s premiere art centre, Gallery 126, has acquired works from one of the world’s most prominent sculptors. A series of bronze figures by Diarmuid Byron O’Connor have been added to the gallery’s display. Mr O’Connor is best known for his Peter Pan and Tinkerbell adornments in the entrance garden at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital for children. By Christy Parker/Photo Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)

The hand-shaped bronze figures retail for €1500 and are available also in bronze resin for €750. Measuring under 15cm and bearing names from Greek mythology, they are inspired by the artist’s ongoing fascination with the human figure. “Each piece has its own unique drama they draw upon our common understanding and experience of our own bodies,” he says. Mr. O’Connor’s works originate as drawings, the collective consciousness of which inspires his sculptors. “I draw from life but sculpt from memory,” he explains.
The London-born artist of Irish descent, happened on Gallery216 on the North Main Street during a visit to Youghal. Impressed by the works in situ, he introduced himself to proprietor Eamonn O’Brien, himself a former resident of London. Read more

Gallery 126 is proud to present the work of Diarmuid Byron O’Connor.

Diarmuid will be at the gallery on Saturday afternoon December 20th to talk about his work.The gallery will open on Sunday 21st from 12 to 6pm. We will also stay open until 7.30pm on Monday and Tuesday.We hope you can join us for a seasonal glass.

Diarmuid is an established sculptor best known for his statue of Peter Pan outside Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children in London.

He says of his work:”My inspiration is the human figure and how it works as a universal language. I draw from life but sculpt from memory.

Whilst each piece has its own unique drama they draw upon our common understanding and experience of our own bodies. I sculpt in wax at this scale with my bare hands and a few simple tools harnessing a handmade sensibility. However I imagine each piece ultimately being larger.

I sculpt in wax at this scale with my bare hands and a few simple tools harnessing a handmade sensibility. However I imagine each piece ultimately being larger”.

Born in 1964 in Ayelsbury moved to South London in ’69.I split my time between London and Ireland where my 3 daughters now live. Although I’m known for creating the Grt Ormond St “Peter Pan and Tinker Bell”. My Personal work is Read more