It was through blogging that I met Clare Scott, who has the wonderful blog, The Mermaids Purse. We only live a few miles from each other and share a passion for nature and the sea.
While I’ve long been admiring Clare’s artwork on her blog, it was only on Saturday when I went to the opening of her art exhibition in Waterford, that I saw the true depths of her talent and creativity.
I could only chuckle to myself as I got dressed up (by my standards) to go to the opening and met Clare in a very flattering ‘little black number.’ We had never met before dressed in anything but outdoor gear ~either layers and layers of jumpers and jackets or functional swimsuits and rainbows of towels.
The art exhibition ShellSTONESilkBONE lures one into a world of texture and colour. Not suprisingly, the sea and the seashore feature strongly but through eyes which have clearly been captivated by the gorgeous detail of seaweed, stones, shells …..
Clare’s ability to capture texture and bring one into folds and layers is breathtaking. I simply loved what I can only describe as ‘silk drapes’ with the light playing on them. And, this drape theme is also found in some stunning paintings of bedrooms ~ I am still haunted by one of a room in a hostel in San Francisco where the net curtains look like they are still moving after being gently twitched.
I simply couldn’t go home after seeing ShellSTONESilkBONE, which is being staged at Aoife’s Cafe and Gallery opposite historic Reginald’s Tower in Waterford City. I made my way to Garrarus Beach which is the place I most associate with Clare. With a feeling of sisterhood, I felt I should take a photograph of Garrarus as it looked while the exhibition was demanding Clare’s attentions.
ShellSTONESilkBONE runs until June 30th and is guaranteed to draw you in and soak you with new perspectives on what you may have thought was a familiar world.
SOCIAL BRIDGE ~ Jean Tubridy connecting with you from Ireland 
Wow…thank you so so so much Jean. Floored again!….I can’t really put into words how much I appreciate your support. And thank you so much for coming to the show. You looked lovely by the way…see you soon xxx
More than my pleasure, Clare. It’s an absolute treasure trove. You should be so, so proud of it.
It was like Garrarus knew something was going on as it had a very unusual misty air with lovely waves unfolding over a big soft bed of seaweed. I’m sure you know that look!
I do!And thank you for the photo…I have spent a lot of time in the city recently…I need to get back to the sea…
It is there warming up nicely while waiting for you!
I bet its like soup… 😉
Reblogged this on THE MERMAIDS PURSE and commented:
My current exhibition (and probably my last one of oil paintings) opened on Saturday in Waterford. I was yet again floored by the friends who gathered to support me. One of these friends is Jean Tubridy, a neighbour of sorts and fellow blogger and she has written this beautiful piece on the show. Have a look at her blog Social Bridge while you’re there and follow her. You won’t regret it….
Thanks for posting this Jean. I found Clare through your blog and am also amazed by her talent.
Hello Rachael, many thanks for writing and I’m thrilled that you have the opportunity to see Clare’s work. How you’d LOVE the exhibition!
I too have ‘come across’ her beautiful artwork via blogging! How fortunate you are to have met up with her and to have enjoyed her exhibition! Waterford is on my ‘to do’ list this summer, so I hope the exhibition will be there when I come! She is a very fortunate mermaid too to have found such an eloquently positive lady sharing her shore!
Hi SV, well it looks like you need to get to Waterford before June 30th! You’ll have to come and share our shore too and go to Mount Congreve …..
Wonderful photo, Jean, and so glad you had the chance to meet Clare. I will pay her a visit, too! Her work sounds lovely!
Lauren, thanks for writing and I know you’ll enjoy Clare’s blog very much. jx