“There is no life I know to compare with pure imagination” Willy Wonka
Me , Myself & I:
Hey, my name is Lauren McHugh and I hail from the beautiful town of Ardara in County Donegal.
Growing up in a busy, historic, town centre bar, I was fortunate enough to meet and share experiences with so many creative people. This had a really positive effect on the way I approached creating my work.
In secondary school, art class was my sanctuary and I had never-ending support from the inspirational Ms Miriam Flynn (Thank you)
I did my foundation art course in Limavady and the knowledge I gained in one short year is immeasurable.
All aspects of creating were explored, from ceramics to photography.
It's here where Marian Young instilled in me the idea of leaving no stone unturned and exhausting all possibilities with art!
I then continued my studies at NCAD in Dublin where my degree was in textile design with a specialism in weaving.
This incorporated all of the different processes in printmaking and using the sewing machine as an embroidery 'drawing tool', all of which were thoroughly enjoyable.
I should have known though, that weaving was in my blood as I discovered during a weaving project in my 4th year of secondary school. It not only forms part of our family history but also a large part of the history of Ardara, and so this is where my specialism led me. To Experiment on the loom brought familiar rhythmic alchemy.
My very first exhibition was a joint collaboration in 2005 with life long friend and fellow artist Kieran Gallagher.
My first solo exhibition was in 2009.
I feel very blessed to live where I do.
The local landscapes and seascapes are a constant source of inspiration.
Lockdown has gifted me the opportunity to draw and create more.....every cloud....!
More recently I have focused more on pen work and mixed media but much like Marian Young taught me, I am keen to explore and "exhaust all possibilities"
I am launching the website with a series of prints in a choice of sizes, some of which I created during the lockdown along with a few older pieces.
I will upload more original art very soon, some more prints & photography won't be far behind so watch this space, please follow me on Instagram & above all else...stay safe.
