Exhibition bridges 18-year gap for Tipperary artist

'A Tale of Time' is the title of a new exhibition of paintings by Clonmel artist Ella Kavanagh, and which is now showing at the Narrow Space Gallery in Mitchel Street, Clonmel.

With a gap of some 18 years since her last exhibition, this exhibition was 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. 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, she uses many of the props that are familiar to lovers of the old masters – various textures of cloth and simple household utensi such as bowls, and jugs.

“My work is personal,” says Ella. “I am attracted to simple and familiar things; kitchenware, 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,” says 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. 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 is open from Monday - Saturday, 10.30am – 5.30pm and Sundays from 12 noon – 4.30pm until Christmas Eve.

SEE ALSO: Phil Coulter returns to The Source in Thurles

Admission is free and everyone is welcome.