“For me the sea is a source of energy, without borders, limits or customs, a metaphor of existence, of the human condition. My objective is to give the viewer an appreciation of the ocean whilst also considering the fragility of the ocean’s eco system. Also important to me is that the viewer recognise their own stories through oblique suggestions of symbolism”.

Aisling Roche is a Visual Artist, Educator and Board Chair of Uillinn, WCAC, who graduated from Cardiff Metropolitan University in 1990 with a master’s degree in 3D Design, Ceramics.  Aisling was born in Dublin and now lives and works in Spain, Baltimore, West Cork. She works predominantly in Photography, Ceramics and Paint and on occasion collaborates with other artists.

Aisling’s work is inspired by the sea in particular Lough Hyne, where she swims regularly.  Her objective is to give the viewer an appreciation of the ocean whilst also considering the fragility of the ocean’s eco system.

Aisling has exhibited widely over the last 40 years including the RHA, Dublin, Vanguard Gallery, Cork and Uillinn, West Cork Arts Centre.  Aisling has completed numerous public and private art commissions such as Emerge (2000) a large multi-figurative Ceramic piece for Southwest Fisheries and The Famine Wave (1999) a relief panel depicted the tsunami of emigration that was caused the Irish Famine, St Louis High School, Dublin. Aisling’s work is held in many public collections including St Vincent Hospital, Dublin, Wigan and Leigh borough council, Greater Manchester, Radionics Dublin and Pfizers Cork and in private collections nationally as well as in America, the UK, France, Germany, Spain, and Australia. Aisling has received corporate client awards and public awards and her work has been supported by the Arts Council /An Chomhairle Ealaíon, The National Sculpture Factory, Cork and Uillinn, West Cork Arts Centre.

aisligroche@hotmail.com

https://www.instagram.com/aislinnroche/

“The ocean has been part of my life from a childhood immersed in the water and love of the sea. As a regular sea swimmer I  use a snorkel, and bring a camera exploring a distinct visual perspective. My current focus on marine ecology is motivated by the urgent need to address our impact on the oceans. Through my  photography and work with porcelain, I explore the fragile beauty of marine ecosystems. Through my paintings the vulnerability of our coastal landscape.

My photographs and porcelain sculptures of marine life are glimpses of the intricate details and textures of sponges, sea squirts, algaes, urchins, anenomes, their habitats  and the other sea life I encounter as I swim.  Through these works, I hope to inspire greater awareness and empathy for the complexity of life that exists beneath the surface of the ocean, and to encourage viewers to take action to protect it. My painting explores the coastline and our need to protect it from coastal erosion and rising sea levels, at the very least they are reminders of our islands and inlets  and  a document for the future.  Through sculpture, photography and painting, I seek to spark conversations and instil a sense of responsibility in the viewer. By combining my visual practice with my passion for the ocean, I hope to create a space for both contemplation and action, where visitors can be moved to see the beauty of marine life and motivated to take action to protect it.”

“The ceramic shell like pieces float and wave before our eyes, barely held by strings of seaweed, beckoning us into the watery darkness that seams flecked with tiny golden points of light………. These are works that are seductive, enchanting and meditative. Passing land-dwellers beware, or, better still, be ready to enter into their watery world.”

Paddy Bushe 2023

EXHIBITIONS

2024 Le Salon Du Kerry in Cork city, Crane Visual, Cork

2023 Winter Exhibition, Lavit Gallery, Wandsford Quay, Cork.

Place in Motion, Uillinn, West Cork Arts Centre, Skibbereen.

Tides, (Solo Show), Grilse, Gallery Killorglan, Co. Kerry

            Land, 10 Artists, Grilse, Gallery Killorglan, Co. Kerry
            Preamble, Uillinn, West Cork Arts Centre, Skibbereen, Co. Cork.

Reimagined, Gallery Asna, Clonakilty, Co. Cork
            West Cork Creates, Cnoc Bui, Union Hall, West Cork.
            Seascapes, (solo show), Tramore Road Campus, Cork College of FET
            Members and Friends, Uillinn, West Cork Arts Centre, Skibbereen
2022 Tonnta (Waves), Uillinn, West Cork Arts Centre, Skibbereen, Co. Cork 

Members and Friends, Uillinn, West Cork Arts Centre, Skibbereen
2021    Standstill, Uillinn, West Cork Arts Centre, Skibbereen, Co. Cork.       
            Evanesent, Uillinn, West Cork Arts Centre, Skibbereen, Co. Cork.
            Members and Friends, Uillinn, West Cork Arts Centre, Skibbereen.
2020   Traces, Yellow Door, Baltimore, Co. Cork
            Outdraw, Uillinn, West Cork Arts Centre, Skibbereen, Co. Cork
            Members and Friends, Uillinn, WCAC, Skibbereen, Co. Cork
2019    West Cork Artists Summer Showcase, Uillinn, WCAC, Skibbereen.

             Members and Friends, Uillinn, WCAC, Skibbereen, Co. Cork

2014 Members Show, West Cork Arts Centre
2012      Museum of Miniature, North Street, Skibbereen, Cork
2010      Lace, (2 person show), She Shells Studio, Baltimore, Cork
2009    Mystery, (2 person show), She Shells Studio, Baltimore, Cork

2005    West, (2 person show), West Cork Arts Centre, Skibbereen, Cork.
            Summer Collection, Millcove Gallery, Co. Cork.
2001      Showcase, Witchcraft gallery, Dublin.
2000    Sea, solo show, West Cork Arts Centre, Co. Cork.
            Transitions, WCAC, Skibbereen, Co. Cork                          
1997      Christmas Showcase, Kent Gallery, Kinsale, Cork.
             Art Trail, National Sculpture Factory, Cork.
             Making Sense, MTU, Cork .
             Showcase, Crawford Gallery, Cork.
             R.H.A. 167th Annual Exhibition, Gallagher Gallery, Dublin.
1996      Struggle, solo show, Vanguard Gallery, Cork.
             R.H.A 166th Annual Exhibition, Gallagher Gallery, Dublin.
             Artforms, Trist Anns’ Gallery, Dundalk, Co. Louth.
             Art Trail, National Sculpture Factory, Cork.
1995      New Figurative Works, Keane-on-Ceramics.
1994      Visionfest, Liverpool.
1993       Lament, Martin Tinney Gallery, Cardiff.
1992       Making Space, Wigan International Arts Festival.
              Ohón, West Wharf Gallery, Cardiff.
1991        Ochón, 3.D. Gallery, Bristol.
              Christmas Exhibition, S.A.C.C. Studios, Cardiff.
1990       Throw Pots, Smiths Gallery, London.
              Throw Pots, Howard Gardens Gallery Cardiff.
              Bones, Sculptors Society of Ireland, Dublin.
1989       Death & Resurrection, N.C.A.D., Kildare St. Dublin.
1987       Bones and Ballet Dancers, Gres de Souspierre Gallery, La Drome, France.

                          

 





 

RESIDENCIES

2024                       UILLINN, West Cork Arts Centre, Skibbereen, Co. Cork
2019                          UILLINN, West Cork Arts Centre, Skibbereen, Co. Cork
1997-99                    NATIONAL SCULPTURE FACTORY, Albert Road, Cork. 
1995-96                    ARTS COUNCIL funded, St Louis High School, Rathmines, Dublin.

 

 

MEMEBERSHIP

Visual Artists Ireland

National Sculpture Factory

Design and Crafts Council of Ireland

Lavit Gallery, Cork Artists Society

Cork Potters and Ceramic Artists

Seabed Sanctuary Collective

Lough Hyne Lappers

Amnesty International