‘Loved’ Collection.

Diversity & Inclusion has been the focus of a new body of work made during  2025. In response to today’s world I find myself creating work which emphasises a message of love. No matter your religion, race, language, physical ability, or gender we need to share genuine empathy and compassion for one another.

I have concentrated on ‘People & Place’ in my evolving work. In this new collection I hope to have represented our whole community. We may have different styles, different costumes, different languages and different beliefs but these are something to be celebrated not a cause for division. Art I think can play an important part in building positive connections across diverse communities, as humanity is recognised and respected, echoing voices of reason and drowning out voices of hate.

‘One Place & Every Place’ Collection 

The focus of this body of work is about finding a place that refreshes and sustains. Taking time together in the studio artist Paula Marten & Sarah Ruttle began to explore West Cork’s landscapes. This collaborative collection grew through each artist responding to one another’s making. Through this process the conversation and depth of the work blossomed.

Paula’s reflective and vibrant paintings brought context and connection to Sarah’s drawn figurative art which aimed to recognise and capture moments of strength. Each artist created a series of paper cut art books to compliment and complete this body of work which was first exhibited in a ‘two-person show’ in Cnoc Buí in 2024.

The light filled gallery in Union Hall allowed the paper cut works to throw an ever-changing shadow in the gallery space throughout the day, bringing this collection alive. 

‘This is for You’

All too often we see division instead of people showing each other compassion, respect and love and this is something which I’ve felt the need to respond to by making a new collection of work. Making contemporary portraiture in a new phrase in my making and I am exploring how my style evolves. 

This collection includes work which: addresses division and inequality; the perspective of someone experiencing mental health challenges and of someone supporting them; exploring the wisdom & experience of our older generation. The series consists of pencil drawings, ink & pen drawings and paper cut books. 

When this body of work sits together in its completion, it makes a compassionate & emotive collection which was first exhibited as a solo show in Working Artist Studios in January 2024.