Through a series of expressive, mixed-media paintings, O’Gorman reflects on ideas of transformation, strength, vulnerability, and mystery—qualities she sees mirrored in both women and the sea.
“Ever since I was really young even when I was young I always ended up drawing girls and women,” Julie told the Clare Echo. “I don’t know if it’s because I am one [a woman] that it was easier but they were always an interest in my art. And then growing up in Kilkee I was always fascinated by the sea and making things out of shells so those were my two major muses you could say.”
The paintings in the exhibition have been created over the past year and feature a mix of mediums. “I have been putting these pieces together over the last year,” she says. “I work with a few different mediums. The majority of the paintings are acrylic paint and then I use a resin for the seascapes.”
Julie is a self-taught artist, and says that this gives her the freedom to experiment. “Being self-taught I think I am less afraid to make mistakes and try new things. People who have studied art have learned techniques and they are nearly afraid to step out of those techniques but I don’t know any of them so I don’t mind changing things around and trying new things. It’s a lot of trial and error in the process.”
One painting in the collection that stands out for her is; “Swirl” a large acrylic piece showing a shoal of fish with a shaft of light shining down through the water. “I just really enjoyed painting that one. It was quite a therapeutic process and I think it’s quite soothing to look at.”
Julie sees her art as a way to invite connection. “As a self-taught artist, I’m guided by curiosity, intuition and freedom to experiment,” she explains. “Every theme and medium I explore offers a new lens through which to understand both myself and the world around me. Through my art, I invite viewers into a space of reflection, imagination, and connection.”
