Tipperary art gallery to host a new exhibition by Ella Kavanagh

A Tale of Time is the title of a new exhibition of paintings by Clonmel artist Ella Kavanagh. It will open on Friday 29 November next in The Narrow Space Gallery in Clonmel at 8.00pm and will be formally launched by local solicitor John M Lynch. With a gap of some 18 years, this exhibition is being eagerly anticipated by the many devoted fans of Ella’s work, both in Clonmel and further afield.

Ella lives and paints on the same land where her father and grandfather grew their produce in Clonmel, County Tipperary. Her parents were greengrocers so she was always surrounded by the sights and smells of fresh fruit and vegetables. Being immersed in this environment is perhaps why Ella has such an extraordinary eye when it comes to depicting fruit – be it a lemon, strawberry, plum or grape. A painter of still life in the classical tradition, Ella uses many of the props which will be familiar to lovers of the Old Masters – various textures of cloth and simple house hold utensils…bowls, jugs and so on.

‘My work is personal, says Ella, ‘I am attracted to simple and familiar things; kitchen ware, cloths, old curios, a quiet landscape or a single figure.  My paintings are about stillness and calm, finding something in the ordinary; the integrity of simple things. I paint from life, and this vital connection enables me to paint with feeling.  For me this is the most important part of painting, the spiritual part of the work.

 Jean Baptise Chardin, Luis Melendez and the Dutch masters are a continuing inspiration for my work.  These classical painters have fostered my appreciation for the traditional principals of drawing, composition and colour harmony.’

‘I am delighted to welcome Ella Kavanagh back in her capacity as a solo artist,’ commented gallery owner Aisling Kilroy  ‘We have seen glimpses of her wonderful work over the past number of years but to have a gallery full of her colour and beauty after some 18 years is indeed a treat! So I encourage everyone to take the time to come into the calm of the gallery and enjoy this very special collection of paintings.’

The gallery will be open in December Monday - Saturday 10.30am – 5.30pm and Sundays 12 noon – 4.30pm until Christmas Eve.  Admission is free and everyone is welcome!