Author: HD

RA Royal Academy of Arts

WAHOOO!!! Talk about The Icing on the proverbial cake.

Well if someone had told me while I sat in the bed in James’s Hospital in November last that time will pass, your treatment will be successful and good things will happen. After all the treatments, blood transfusions, prodding and endless (but greatful) testsm, that in eight months you are going to be boarding a flight to the UK for the Royal Academy varnishing day, because my painting was selected for the most prestigious annual Summer exhibition in London. Im sorry but I would have asked were you on stronger drugs than me (and they were strong :-)).

But that’s exactly what has played out. I think someone is watching out for me.

To say I am on top of the world, is an understatement.

Im back home now and I have moments of “did that actually happen”?

We had a blast, and met even more amazing and wonderfully talented artists – theres millions of them out there, thankfully.

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RHA 2025

What a pick-me-up after a pretty bumpy winter: though I have been lucky enough to be selected a few times for the annual RHA show, it’s always a real treat to be selected.

These open submissions come with no guarantees of course, as many know who have applied before, so even if you get shortlisted, that’s a little win worth smiling about.

To get through the final round is amazing. This one was especially sweet given the past 6 months that I have had. I got two shortlisted, with one finally selected. Happy days! I am chuffed and very grateful to be selected. A day out after so much quarantining and what a day.

Thanks RHA selectors and congratulations to all the artists that got in and also well done to those that didn’t. I have been there and likely there again, but its important to realise its not personal, so we got to dust ourselves off and get back to what we do. Ready for the next round of whatever that might be. I never see it as rejected, I prefer to say unselected, because not everyone can get in, it really is a numbers game.

It might be your lucky number next time.

And it’s always a great chance to meet up with old friends.

Myra Jago & Tony Strickland
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The new studio

You just couldn’t make the stuff up. In September we had to vacate our studios. It was full on packing up over 100 paintings, sculptures and furniture not to mention paints, brushes and all the paraphernalia that we accumulate as artists. The largest painting being 2 metres x 3 metres. But we did it.

To top it all off I just managed to pack up the old studio and renovate a space at home and organise storage. I just managed to exhale but was not feeling the best, long story short, I was diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia and our world was sent into a major spin.

In to hospital within a week for 5 weeks pre-Christmas for immediate chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatment. After lots (and lots) of tears, fears and gratitude I am now back, in my favourite space, my studio, which sits beautifully in my second favourite space, my garden. I get to fling open my doors, listen to the birds and deadhead my flowers all on the daily commute. Really what could be nicer right?

So sum the last 8 months up, we really don’t know what is around the corner, so take a breath and taste the moment. Right now is what it’s all about.

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Art Journal (USA) Artist’s Project Feature

What an absolute honour to be contacted by Art Journal in the US, published by Taylor & Frances, to feature as the chosen artist’s project for the Winter 2023 edition Volume 82, 2023 – Issue 4 – Published Feb 2024.

The project, though several months in the making, was a pleasure to work with the Taylor & Francis team.

The full feature is available in both print and Art Journal – Taylor & Francis Online

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Wexford Festival Opera 2022 Exhibition

Open studio exhibition.

It’s that time of year again.Yes the wonderful Wexford Opera Festival. Are you planning on visiting, it’s the best time of year to take a trip to Wexford. As the rest of the country is battening down the hatches and getting ready to hibernate. Wexford starts to fizz with glamour, music, art, food. It really is wonderful. There will be so much art you will be nourished deep in your soul. If its your first time you will wonder how you haven’t been before. You could be walking down the street and look up and hear the most incredible opera singers performing from  above shop windows as seen last year in Barkers. It sure would give you goosebumps.

My studio will be open daily 11 -5 or by appointment outside these hours. It is located in the Creative hub, directly opposite  Wexford Library and is also accessible  from the main street just beside Joannes bakery.  The hub is home to many more artists so grab a coffee on your way and be ready to be inspired, chat to artists, learn about their practice enjoy yourself.

I do hope to see and welcome you to my studio.

Best

Bernadette.

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CHINA… Here we come

Exciting times ahead and delighted to be with a group of wonderful artists, heading to Hangzhou for an exhibition titled #youyi (friendship)
It has been good fun and lots of laughs already in the preparation. The works have already arrived in Hangzhou and we will follow soon.
Huge thanks Maurice Quillinan for curating and the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade, and Culture Ireland also

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