Róisín Phelan

I am a mixed media artist. In a broader sense my work explores the human condition, in a more personal sense it explores those quiet feelings of emotion we experience in the moments that no one else is watching. I am intrigued by the question ‘who are you in the silence?’ So much of our outside world is filled with noise and chaos it is easy to lose sense of those pretty basic thoughts and emotions that make us individuals. Instagram: @roisin_art

I am currently really interested in craft and the relationship between material and maker. I have done a lot of research into the history of craft and its importance within the domestic sphere to give the unheard a voice. Again, it is this idea of working in the silence and stitching your truth. There is a certain anonymity of the artist behind the craft, so I enjoy documenting my processes, so it doesn’t get lost along the way.

Since lockdown started, I have slowly been making my bedroom into my studio and surrounding myself with art. My bedroom is where I am most myself and most at ease, so it has really let my work develop and plays into that idea of the domestic space and the importance it holds.

Where would you like your work to take you?

I don't have a specific goal or idea in mind but I would love to be able to create art full time. I would also love to become an author. I think my main aspiration in life is to be able to create freely in whatever medium that takes.

Which part of your creative process do you enjoy most?

This is a difficult one, I'm torn... For me there are probably three main stages in my creative process and I enjoy all of them. The first stage is probably the most useful to me as it is a time where I reflect and write or draw and just sit quietly with a biro. The second is when I start physically making or applying colour and the third is the sitting back and seeing the work. I think if I had to choose just one favourite it would probably be the moment between the second and third stage where I can begin to see the art coming together and this excitement fuels me to carry on.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

I take my inspiration from anything that feels important to me. I have a notebook that I write in and I like to document thoughts, emotions etc. that feel significant. I enjoy writing poetry and then a lot of my imagery will stem from there. I love reading and listening to music, all of this comes together to form the basis of my work. I am so interested in human emotion and the moments in between. So much of what we feel ends up almost performative, I am interested in documenting those quiet moments where you are alone.

What piece of music would you say compliments your work the most?

I don't know the answer to this question but it is an interesting idea. I can answer it in terms of what I listen to the most as I work. The band Easy Life quickly became one of my favourites over the last year and their way of creating poetry into music really resonates with me. If I had to pick one song, right now I would say pop tarts, the lyrics and melody are both soothing and thought provoking. I am a big fan of anything with a narrative or that makes you think about things differently and Easy Life's lyrics really make you listen and think. Their songs also have great imagery which is good if you're listening whilst you create art. I think Easy Life have had a big impact on how I write my poetry so in turn have affected my art.

Can you list a couple other creatives/friends/people you look to for inspiration?

There are so many people that I could list here, I think it's so important to surround yourself with creative people. To name just a couple; Edd Birchmore (@edward_christopher_birchmore) is a close friend and someone who I miss working alongside. His drive to work is very similar to my own and although our mediums and interests vary, our work compliments each other.

Robert de Haan (@rohan.art) is someone whose work I came across online and loved. I enjoy seeing any artists progress from sketches to wherever the idea ends up and his pencil sketches always lead to beautiful paintings.