Time to Return: Gail Kelly

There's a new exhibition opening in the Samhlaiocht Gallery on Thursday, March 4th when Gail Kelly comes to Kerry. The exhibition, Time to Return, opens on Thursday, March 5th and runs through to Friday, March 26th.

"Samhlaiocht is thrilled that Gail Kelly is exhibiting in the Gallery," said Trish Thompson, Gallery Coordinator. "Her work really speaks to the beauty of Kerry and it's wonderful to see the county be a source of inspiration to artists from further afield, in addition to being a constant source of inspiration to those of us lucky enough to live here."

"My work is inspired by the Irish Landscape, especially the southwest of Ireland which I visit every year," says Gail. "I have produced two series of lithographs inspired by my travels in County Kerry and west Cork. I love this part of the country with its fabulous scenery and numerous ancient sites."

Gail works in lithography, which is produced by etching an image onto a flat surface, then copying the etched surface by applying ink, or the equivalent, to it and pressing another material against it. Gail has a number of black and white images, which are all stone lithography, and a number of coloured pieces, which are photo plate lithographs, in the exhibition, so it promises a nice combination of the two different techniques.

"I'm particularly fond of the old farmhouses and cottages that seem to fit into the landscape so well," adds Gail. "The colours of the Kerry countryside and the patterns of the farm land are a constant source of inspiration to me."

All the work in the exhibition feature limited edition lithographs and Gail's love of traditions, folklore and legends play a key part in the creation of each piece. "I like the idea of remembering and respecting the old ways of doing things, whether daily activities or annual events," explains Gail. "I love the interplay of narrow roads, mountain farms, distant islands and standing stones that all feature so heavily in the beautiful landscape of Kerry."

Gail's original prints have been exhibited widely both at home and abroad and are included in many public and private collections.

The exhibition runs until Friday, March 26th, in the Samhlaiocht Gallery, which is located in the Old Presbytery on Lower Castle Street in the heart of Tralee. The Gallery is open from 10 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, is free to visit and all are welcome.