Its that time of the year again when interviews for the 1st round places have just been completed for the courses at Ballyfermot College of Further Education. We really enjoyed seeing the portfolios of applicants and meeting everyone during last week. The applications are now re-opened for Phase 2, so if you are interested in any courses, including the Textile Fibre Art Course, please apply online at http://www.bcfe.ie, before the closing date: 24th April 2015
We have a few exciting things coming up in the next few weeks, which we will be featuring on our blog….so stay tuned for that. One of those is our Graduate Show, which features the work from 2nd Year Textile, Illustration & Graphic Design students. We are looking forward to returning to Farmleigh in the Phoenix Park again this year and the exhibition will run from 19th May 2015. The students are currently working really hard at developing their final pieces for the exhibition, which promises to be a visually rich and varied collection from all three disciplines. We will be posting the details and some sneak peeks on here in the very near future!
We are delighted to feature a very recent graduate this week in our Graduate Profile, Rebecca Deegan. Rebecca, while a student on the course, displayed a strong interest in and a great handling of mixed media and painting. Her drawing skills and ability to create mood and atmosphere in her work were always strong points. This has remained and has been pursued even further in her most recent collection. Since leaving the Textile Fibre Art course, Rebecca has been extremely busy creating and showcasing work in various locations, both in group shows and a solo artist. (See Rebecca’s C.V. below). She is also currently working as an assistant at the Shimoda Centre, Portlaoise, aiding in art workshops for children.
Rebecca at her most recent exhibition beside ‘Adrasteia’, Acrylics On Canvas
Mainly concerned with the human figure, Rebecca aspires to create atmospheric pieces using the face and body as her inspiration. Her current selection of work focuses mainly on the face, particularly the expression in the eyes of her subject. She uses mostly acrylic and oil paints, and sticks to a restricted palette. Observing how the light falls upon her subject is an important part of her paintings. She strives to use strong and dramatic lighting to achieve her desired outcome and to create contrasting tones.
Rebecca’s interest in portraiture as well as the full figure has led her to explore the character and personality of her sitters. Additionally, this has progressed to a series of detailed ‘eye’ paintings (see header) which are full of expression, if sometimes unsettling as they stare out from the frame at the viewer. They possess different qualities and are beautifully painted in a highly realistic manner, some appearing frightened or sad, some challenging and serene.
In support of this figurative painting, Rebecca consistently draws to update her skills. This allows Rebecca to further explore various media, grounds and poses on different scales.
We really look forward to seeing what Rebecca does in the future…………
To see more of Rebecca’s work or to contact her regarding commissions:
Go to her website: http://www.rebeccadeegan.com
Or her Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/rebeccadeeganartist
Or email Rebecca: rebeccadeeganartist@hotmail.com
Rebecca’s C.V:
- Full Time Education
2011 – 2013: Higher National Diploma in Fibre Art and Textile Design
Ballyfermot College of Further Education
2010 – 2011: Art, Craft and Design (FETAC Level 5)
Abbeyleix Further Education Centre - Work Experience
Sept 2014 – present: Shimoda Centre, Hynds Square, Portlaoise.
Assistant in children’s art workshops + adult classes.
February 2013: Primary School Drawing Class at Mountmellick Library.
Taught basic drawing skills to primary school pupils.
Solo Exhibitions
March 2015: Rebecca Deegan – Solo Show
Mountmellick Library, Mountmellick, Co. Laois
January 2015: A Collection of Artwork by Rebecca Deegan
Naas Arts and Culture Centre, Naas, Co. Kildare
Selected Group/Joint Exhibitions
November 2014: Dunamaise Arts Centre – Open Submission
Dunamaise Arts Centre, Portlaoise, Co. Laois
October 2014: Encourage – Group Show
Shimoda Centre, Portlaoise, Co. Laois
July 2014: Feile an Phobail Exhibition
St Mary’s University, Belfast
July 2014: Queer As Folk – Group Show
White Lady Art Gallery, Wellington Quay, Dublin
November 2013: Dunamaise Arts Centre – Open Submission
Dunamaise Arts Centre, Portlaoise, Co. Laois
May 2013: Barking Dog – BCFE Graduate Show
Avenue Road Gallery, South Circular Road, Dublin
February 2013: Dreams, Nightmares, Fears and Freud
Joint Exhibition – Rebecca Deegan and Donna Kearns
Mountmellick Library and Gallery, Mountmellick, Co. Laois
July 2012: Dreams, Nightmares, Fears and Freud
Joint Exhibition – Rebecca Deegan and Donna Kearns
Abbeyleix Library and Gallery, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois
December 2011: Dreams, Nightmares, Fears and Freud
Joint Exhibition – Rebecca Deegan and Donna Kearns
Templemore Library and Gallery, Templemore, Co. Tipperary
May 2011: Abbeyleix F.E.C. End of Year Show
Dunamaise Arts Centre, Portlaoise, Co. Laois - Publications:
July 2014: HeadSpace Magazine: Issue 3
‘Anxious’ – Acrylic painting published
Higher National Diploma in Fibre Art, Ballyfermot College of Further Education 