The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
National stage for local artist
AFTER taking early retirement, Olivia O’Carra decided to follow her dreams – and one will be realised this week as she exhibits new work at arguably the premier art fairs in Ireland.
More than 15,000 people will attend the massive ‘Art Source’ between November 10 and 12, and for Olivia, who is from Park Drive in Killarney, it marks the latest step in an incredible journey that started by chance at a charity exhibtion some 15 years ago when her work proved so popular it sold out.
“I worked as a science teacher at two schools in the area,” she said. “The local Rotary Club had an exhibition for charity in 2003 and I brought my work along. When it all sold out, it started me thinking and I decided to opt for early retirement from teaching to pursue art.”
Her layered-techniques in landscaping have been described as being among the factors that have helped her draw huge attention, and she is particularly well-known for her ability to depict water in all its forms.
“I love nature and having the national park at my doorstep is a blessing,” she said on that point. “I’m also especially fascinated by reflections in still water.”
Olivia will be among 130 contemporary artists and 20 Irish and international galleries gathering together to showcase their paintings, sculptures, photography, illustrations, prints and ceramic arts over the weekend.
If you fancy a chance to get a hold of some of the work Olivia has put together, then perhaps a visit to the massive art fair would be a worthwhile venture. Admission to Art Source is €10 for adults, €8 for OAPs. Children and under-16s can avail of free admission, but only if accompanied by a parent or guardian.
The fair is open from 11am to 9pm on the Friday, from: 10am to 6pm on both Saturday and Sunday.
“Art Source offers visitors the opportunity to purchase a oneoff affordable artwork to make their home unique and also the opportunity to meet the artists and hear about their work,” said show organiser Patrick O’Sullivan.
“There is a huge emphasis on visitor involvement at Art Source, and this year the show features interactive oil and resin painting demonstrations and there are free children’s art workshops for under 12s.
“The occasion also gives art lovers the chance to get their hands on 100 pieces of original artwork for €100 each on a firstcome, first-served basis.”