Irish artist Kaye Maahs’ new exhibition at Claremorris Gallery, Co Mayo is inspired by her travels in Iceland …
‘Snjo Mountain,’ by Kaye Maahs
Who or what was instrumental to you becoming an artist?
Location. Moving to Clare in 2003 kickstarted my artistic journey and I haven’t looked back since. I did have notions in my teens about going to art college but that didn’t transpire, instead I did a secretarial course at the local community college at home in Listowel, Co Kerry. I can honestly say I have done everything from waitressing to secretarial work. Prior to moving to Clare, I worked in customer service at Lidl Headquarters in Newbridge. You could say I did it the long way round.
‘Sunset Eldborg Crater,’ by Kaya Maahs
How did your artistic journey progress?
I got involved in the set design with the local drama here in Corofin, it was a way for my husband and I to get to know people, that was important to us. Then, by chance, I discovered a FETAC course at the community college that was then run by Siobhan McCooey. I had always wanted to learn how to paint so I thought by doing this course it would help. I have to admit I was hooked from the minute I lifted a paint brush. Siobhan was a fantastic teacher and she inspired us all. Luckily, there was a part-time GMIT course in Galway that suited me. So at the tender age of 39 I found myself in Galway studying for a BA in Art that would take six years to complete, all because I wanted to learn to paint. Now I just learn on the job.
‘Geyser,’ by Kaye Maahs
Where and how do you work?
My studio doubles as our guest room but you would never know this until you pull out the Murphy bed which is hidden in the wall! My hope is that I will have a proper workshop/studio at some stage but for now this space does the job. I don’t paint every day as I can spend a lot of time researching and reading up on my subject matter. Before I paint a place I often research its history, it’s part of my process and I feel that knowing something about the location enriches the work.
‘Dairy Farm Iceland,’ by Kaye Maahs
A trip to Iceland forms the basis of your latest exhibition. Tell us more …
In 2019 the talented artist Lorna Watkins from Sligo sent me a link about The Thomas Dammann Junior Memorial Trust Award. She knew I had an itch to go to Iceland and she said “why don’t you apply for this?”. I did and the next thing I was booking a flight and packing my bag to head north. I have always been drawn to Iceland, I cannot explain why exactly; maybe it’s in my DNA. Did you know that one third of all Icelanders have Irish ancestors? Maybe it was that.
It is wonderful to have been able to bring the work inspired by this trip to Claremorris Gallery in Mayo. To begin with, Rosemarie Noone, Director of Claremorris Gallery, knew exactly how to hang the work and, as she has been to Iceland herself, understood the work. I know when people think of Iceland they imagine snow and ice, however, it’s much more than that, and that forms the basis of this exhibition. I wanted to showcase the indomitable mountains, the imposing sea-stacks and the rich and unique landscape of the Icelandic countryside.
How has your work evolved?
I feel I have gained confidence as a painter over the years since leaving college; I am continually pushing myself as a painter, and I am willing to take more risks. I feel personally that we really have a strong platform of painters here in Ireland at the moment, it is wonderful to see and I am just humbled to be a part of that. When you are surrounded by artists that are at the top of their game you as a painter become encouraged and inspired to push yourself even more. I was fortunate to receive the Alex Bradley Award for mid-career artist (in any medium) from the RHA this year that really lifted my spirit, to keep going as a painter; it is an award I will savour going forward.
Need to Know: “Iceland” by Kaye Maahs is on at Claremorris Gallery, Mount Street, Claremorris, Co Mayo until October 5. The gallery is open from 1-6pm, Wednesday to Saturday, or by appointment; www.claremorrisgallery.ie.
