Maeve Croghan

Artist Statement

I begin my paintings outside in nature. There, I am influenced by the all the elements. This affects my painting & the feeling I put into the paintings. Being at the site allows me to deeply experience the nature as I am painting it.

Once outside I find a subject to paint which has meaning for me. I like to explore how humans affect nature & how nature seems defy human touch. Often, I am attracted to old forms of life - aged trees, old vines and giant rocks possess a kind knowledge beyond human understanding. Yet, the delicate beauty of a wildflower and a field of grasses can have equal allure.

My paintings are completed in the studio. At this point, I work from memory and feeling. As the work evolves, it sometimes changes from the original scene, taking on its own life. The painting eventually becomes a symbol of my experience with the environment. There is a deep personal experience with each painting which always remains with me.