FRIZ

Owl Of Wisdom... ...2: On Silent Wings Thanks to @atusligo_ie for having us back to reinstall the Owl mural on campus. Interesting project to recreate a previous mural but this time I mixed it up with the colour palette and lighting to make it fresh. Thanks Noel for having us down. Thanks Pat for the help. And as usual, big up @gerrynormansoitis for working on this with me. #friz #thisisfriz #mural #spraypaint #atusligo #atu

The Derry Dryad My contribution to @feilederry 's 'Graffiti On The Walls' project on Central Drive in Creggan. In Greek mythology the dryads were nature spirits/nymphs of the oak trees that could take the form of a beautiful woman. Oak trees were sacred to Ireland's ancient people and still hold special significance to this day. Derry (Doire) means 'Oak grove'/'Oak wood' so this is my Derry Dryad and the little wren that has occupied her tree. @gerrynormansoitis with a spectacular assist on this one ☀️☀️☀️ Thanks so much to Gareth for having us up. Cheers @noys_amc as always. Big shout out to Paul for getting the wall prepped and giving us a hand (and cold water) every day. Look at those blue skies! The sun never let up all week. A Communities In Transition Project funded by The Executive Office.

Happy St. Brigid's Day to you all! This is my Brigid Of Faughart wall that I painted a couple of years ago at @seekdundalkofficial , depicting both the Christian Saint and Celtic Goddess

Delighted to have got the call from @artriddler last week ro say that my painting 'Moon' has been selected for inclusion in the upcoming show. What a surreal experience. I've been following the progress of this exhibition for a few years, definitely not one to miss. If you go to their page you'll see a lot of the work that is being included, the standard is phenomenal. Check out @artriddler 's page for details on the upcoming show.

Dreamer Acrylic on canvas The last painting I have to share from my show. Only a couple of days left now. I dreamed of a hare when I spent time at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre last year. I was desperate to see one but didn't manage it on that visit. It did make an appearance in my dreams though. Happily when I went back this year I saw two. This was the first painting I did when starting out on the journey of exploring ideas for the exhibition. Because I included rabbits/hares in the Creator painting I thought it right to include this piece too. They feature a lot in Irish storytelling. Last day to see the shoe is tomorrow, May 9th, at @seacourtprints

Divine I Acrylic on canvas The last week of my exhibition! My three 'Divine' works in the exhibition were an exploration of the concepts of the Divine Feminine and Masculine, and everything in between. Projecting things that I find admirable in any person I know. The Queens, Kings and Royalty in my life. To that end, any symbolism in these three paintings are not exclusive to that one image, but could just as easily be swapped between them all, as these qualities are not gendered as far as I am concerned. The pattern on the panel at the front of all three is made up of triangles, as featured in many of the works. This pattern is to symbolise scaffolding, a person who you can rely on to prop you up when needed most. The nurse's fob watch indicates a person who takes care of others. Tea, because most of my own relationships revolve around sharing a hot beverage. Flamingo, one of the many creatures in nature that you can find same sex bonded pairs. And they are bloody fabulous. Crowned with stars. Currently on show until May 9th in @seacourtprints

Divine II Acrylic on canvas While the Creator painting was very much about women as a force of creation and life, Divine II was my chanel for all that makes a woman amazing without the need to focus on her reproductive capabilities. My three Divine paintings, however, are interchangeable in their symbology. As a whole, they represent elements of virtues I find admirable in any person, regardless of gender. The triangle motif has been reused, in the structure of her top, a hint of sensuality and sexuality, and in the panel, again reusing the 'scaffold' pattern, representing strength and the ability to prop others up. A paintbrush for an appreciation of the arts. A dagger for fierceness. Whether it is a fighting spirit or a willingness to protect. Her hair has been styled into a nest, a home, a safe place, adorned with branches. A wren, I often include this bird in my work. I love the fable of how the wren became King Of The Birds. An overlooked and underestimated bird who used his wit to beat the eagle. I think a lot of women can identify with 'overlooked and underestimated'. And a cutey-patootie 90s era woven friendship bracelet, because friendship is magic. Did anyone else braid these as a teenager? Exhibition runs until May 9th at @seacourtprints

Sun Sun means fun, but sun also means long days toiling. The clothing in this piece is designed due to it's work-wear origins. Bomber jacket, shearling, and the suggestion of high vis. I can be a bit of a cold blooded creature like a lizard in that if I'm not warm I tend to shut down and stop moving, I find it hard to get motivated. Blast the heat for 10 mins and suddenly I'm up and motivated. And you don't get sunflowers without the sun. TROVE runs until May 9th in @seacourtprints

Moon Acrylic on canvas The reflection of the sun. The dark of night where you strike a match and create light. The time to curl up with a good book. The feathers are from a barn owl, a nocturnal predator, a reminder of the dangers that can lurk in the dark. The exhibition runs in @seacourtprints until May 9th.

Lead Acrylic on canvas 6' x 4' Lead is a meditation on the All Father archetype, the leader, the guide. Zeus, Odin, the shepherd, the guide. Usually fierce, warrior types. My Lead, is more passive. A worker, a grafter, tending to the land, reaping the fruits of his labour. Leading by example. Using tools and not weapons. Quite strength. The exhibition is currently on display at @seacourtprints and runs until May 9th. P

Divine III It makes sense to share this painting next in light of my wee man's passing. I have never done a proper painting of Dexter, in all his years. He's been the star of many a sketch and loose painting, but never a proper work on canvas. I knew this would be our last year with him and I think subconsciously or not, when planning this piece it made sense to feature him. My three 'Divine' works in the exhibition were an exploration of the concepts of the Divine Feminine and Masculine, and everything in between. Projecting things that I find admirable in any person I know. The Queens, Kings and Royalty in my life. To that end, any symbolism in these three paintings are not exclusive to that one image, but could just as easily be swapped between them all, as these qualities are not gendered as far as I am concerned. All three are crowned, Divine III wears a crown of antlers. In anthropomorphic terms I have always loved stags, how regal they are. They symbolise strength for me. The pattern on the panel at the front is made up of triangles, as featured in many of the works. This pattern is to symbolise scaffolding, a person who you can rely on to prop you up when needed most. The umbrella across his back shows a person who will provide shelter. The headphones are included because of my great love of all kinds of music. It is also about passion and creativity. The wee man. Dexter. When trying to find out how to portray kindness; gentleness; caring, I landed on the quality of a person who is kind to animals. This one is also for @gerrynormansoitis , who encompasses all of these things. The exhibition is currently on in @seacourtprints And runs until May 9th.

The greatest and best dog in the world, a tribute. Our hearts are broken. We had to say goodbye to our handsome boy Dexter yesterday. He had been in a very slow decline since July last year, but taking him for a check up yesterday after he lost his appetite this week, we didn't expect to get the outcome we did. We had a whirlwind few hours to process this and hold our boy tight. It hasn't really properly hit yet. He was my scootchie-bum boy, the dexatron, mi perrito, dexterino, bambino, puppito. The best wee maneen He had tonnes of personality, including being barky/growly af. He had the longest memory and couldn't pass a tree he spotted a squirrel in 10 years ago without checking if it was still there. He was too clever for his own good and learned to pick up things he knew he shouldn't, just so you would bribe it off him with a treat. He loved his walks. Would only bring a ball back and drop it if you had another one to tempt him with. He had a ferocious appetite and you couldn't eat without him staring you down. He always got the last bite, like a rolo. He managed to steal and eat two easter eggs in his life without much problem (thankfully). And there wasn't a bin you could leave unattended around him. He was never the chill dog. If he had your attention then he'd much rather play than cuddle. Although as he got older he loved a good lean up against you on the couch. He accepted my love begrudgingly but if he was ever hurt or scared he came looking for his Momma. He was 100% a Daddy's boy and loved @gerrynormansoitis so much. He has been in and enriched our lives for 14 and a half years. We got him when he was 8 weeks old and he picked Gerry, coming over to play with him twice when they visited the litter. I don't know what I'll do without him. The world is dimmer without him by my side. I'm writing this post in a way so I can accept reality, I keep waiting to hear his clicky-clacky paws before he walks into the room. Please hold your pets close today. I would gladly put up with all my clothes being covered in your hair for many more years, and likely will. I love you Dex