BOUND BY THE SEA – Jackie Mitchell Official Opening

Artist Statement – I believe that an early immersion into a maritime realm is where my fascination for fishing boats derives! Influenced by memories of family life and places – I paint transformative nautical scenes.

The sea has been a constant, shaping my art visually and emotionally. I’m drawn to the ever-changing light and movement in the water; the weathered beauty of authentic fishing vessels; the contrast between solidity and fluidity; how boats, reflections and surrounding elements change with the time and tides.

I work with both acrylics or oils – I map out the brushwork with a latex mould paste primarily, and use a layering technique to build depth and texture; aiming to capture the interplay between light and shadow, dynamic colour and atmosphere. Often exploring aquatic environments, particularly traditional harbours, the distinctive characteristics of vibrant rustic wooden boats, reflections and seascape. Both realism and a sense of abstraction in my approach involves intuitive composition and expressive observation.

Having spent much of his childhood fishing on the Slaney and in Cahore, my father then trained as a Mercantile Mariner. As small children we were allowed to accompany him on board in Irish Shipping. We moved to Bahrain in the 70s where he became a Marine Surveyor, and his last posting was in Kuwait.

In tandem with my own work and in tribute to my fathers memory I am showing a vintage collection of photography charting his life – an ‘Exhibition within an Exhibition’ – This is with much thanks to my brother and sister! In parallel, my paintings are centered around subjects that can be seen from the Ravens Nest windows; and convey the thread between my fathers nautical path and my own.

My father would have said, “Jackie has landed on her feet”. Becoming an artist member in The Makers House has been a dream come true. The stunning venue, with unrivalled views of the sea are an eternal source of inspiration which sustain my creative appetite.

I have come full circle…I find it poignant that settling in Enniscorthy, where my Dad is from, and having spent his life at sea, my father would have delighted in sharing this amazing journey with me. If not for certain navigational barriers I imagine he would have passed through Wexford Harbour along his way.

 

Jackie Mitchell