This is a subscriber-only article
Mary Finn paints in a Seomra (wooden cabin) she bought at the Ploughing Championships 10 years ago. She is from Thurles, Co Tipperary, – more specifically, The Gatehouse, Ballinahow Castle, Thurles – from which she ran a farm guesthouse which previously featured in Irish Country Living when we covered her painting holidays for children.
Mary studied for a BA in visual art and before becoming the artist she is today, she was the community education officer for North Tipperary Vocational Education Committee (VEC) for nine years and a farm housewife before that.
The seminal moment for her art came with retirement. She is also married to Jim Finn of Tipp FM agricultural radio fame.
What training do you have?
Lots of courses and eventually a BA visual art as a mature student. I studied at DIT, Sherkin Island (now TU Dublin) and the Slade School of Fine Art in London.
Favourite thing to paint?
Figures in their landscape. I paint portraits on commission.
Describe your work
My work is issue based, topics that affect people’s lives. This is my inspiration. For example, currently I am working on a project “Does fashion define us?” for Nua Collective, a virtual gallery based in Cork.
What medium(s) do you use?
Oil, acrylic, charcoal, pencil, gouche and pastel.
Point of differentiation?
My belief aligns with the quote of artist Edgar Degas that “art is not what you see it’s what you make others see”.
Your dream to paint?
A portrait for the National Gallery of Ireland or the Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA) or any rock star in action.
What is next for you art?
I am part of a self directed life drawing group of artists from all over Ireland at the RHA which is currently on Zoom. I am working on a body of paintings, “The many faces of Molly”.
Highlight of your career?
A solo art exhibition in Cambridge based on a letter to me from my then employer, The Bank of Ireland, in 1971 looking at the question of the marriage bar which prevented women from working after marriage. The letter read: “Dear Miss O’Connell, we thank you for your services and wish you every happiness in your married life.” The letter was the inspiration and women were at the center of all the work exhibited.
What is your process?
A painting can be on the go for two months or two years and can change many times during the process until I am satisfied.
Has COVID-19 impacted you?
Yes, I have sold some works online. I can’t go to the Tyrone Guthrie Centre at Annaghmakerrig, Co Monaghan. In normal times it’s a haven for artists and writers residencies from all over the world. It’s an inspiring place.
Are the arts supported in Ireland?
I can only speak from my own experience. Personally, I haven’t received support locally or nationally but I am aware that there is some support for the arts
What do you think is the role of art in society?
I feel very strongly that art has a role to play supporting good mental health in the young and elderly alike. Everyone should be encouraged to explore their creativity. There are positive links found between exploring ones creativity and being successful in life and business.
What keeps you awake at night?
I write as well as paint and I recently had a piece published in the Tipperary Star. I was shocked when an older woman approached me on the street and said: “Good on you at your age. We older people are invisible.”
Social issues you are passionate about?
Equality, mental health and ageism.
Who are your customers?
People who want to start a conversation in their living room.
If funds are tight for a customer?
Contact me I have a piece to suit every pocket.
Mary can be contacted through Instagram (@maryfinnhome), on Facebook (maryfinn) through her website maryfinnart.com or at nuacollective.ie. Prices range from €350 to €2,000.
SHARING OPTIONS: