"Growing Up in Ireland"

Simone Walsh

• Graduating from the School of Art & Design in Dublin in 1989, my early career focused on graphic design & illustration. I left for to New Zealand in 1992 & I spent many years travelling & living in Auckland where I met my Sligo born husband, Joe. On our return to Ireland in 2000 we began exhibiting my paintings to immense success. I developed my unique style using acrylics & gold relief paint & my work has become very distinctive & collectable! We spent many years exhibiting on Merrion Square in Dublin, and in galleries and art fairs both in Ireland and in the UK.
• Having created a substantial body of original work, it made perfect sense to go into print format and the Kilkenny Group began stocking our prints in 2012 to immediate success and popular acclaim. From there, we went on to develop a range of merchandise, most notably The Irish Larder range! Living in the lush countryside of county Wexford, Joe & I love our home, garden & gallery! I love to paint Irish cities, towns & villages, iconic Irish brands & wistful Irish nostalgia in my unique and vibrant style!
• Brimming with everything quintessentially Irish, my scenes feature popular landmarks, pubs & shops, with locals & tourists going about their day; shopping, sightseeing, enjoying a coffee or a pint! My aspiration is to capture the hustle & bustle of Irish life and traditions and my inspiration comes from my surroundings and fond memories of growing up in Ireland. I delight in including special, quirky details that enliven my art and add charm and character to the narrative of my paintings!