www.communityvoice.ie - Art news from Dublin 15

Snapshot of the artist

For many of us, New Year’s Resolutions are made with the best of intentions and then fall by the wayside when real life intervenes. Standing Stone by Robert Lloyd

For Dunshaughlin artist, Robert Lloyd, though, a challenge that he set himself at beginning of 2007 is starting to bear real fruit. He decided, simply, that he would paint each and every day, perfecting his technique and hopefully getting his name recognised in the art world.

Cut forward one year and Robert, already with four exhibitions to his name in 2007, is about to launch yet another exhibition at the Phoenix Park Visitor’s Centre. Running for the month of February, the show demonstrates Robert’s vivid and mesmerising landscapes with their almost ethereal cubist echoes. His imaginative use of colour suggests almost an other-worldly series of landscapes, yet there remains an indefinable Irishness to the paintings.

After completing second level education Robert travelled extensively broadening his knowledge and life experience through exposure to different cultures, arts and humanitarian issues. During his years abroad he worked with Peter Schumann and the London Theatre, and the American Performance Theatre Group - Crisis.

“I have been painting all my life and was quick to take up the brush again when I returned home to Ireland in 1988,” he said. “I held my first exhibition in 1990 (officially opened by the former Taoiseach John Bruton) in Dunshaughlin and have been involved with various arts, choral and drama groups designing and painting their sets.

“I am also involved with professional theatre groups, such as Beg Borrow and Steal (children’s), Dry Bread and Ginger Bread.”

After returning to full-time education in 1993 Robert then completed a portfolio preparation course in 1994. He has also studied Art History and Drawing at The National Gallery, Dublin; Stained Glass at Coláiste Chonghaile, Dublin and in 1997 he received a Diploma in Fine Art Sculpture from Dun Laoghaire College of Art and Design.

Sadly, arthritis put an end to his sculpting but it prompted him to redouble his efforts at painting. “I’m getting there,” he said modestly and his four 2007 exhibitions indicate he’s pretty close! Landing the gig at Ashtown was, he says, simply a matter of grasping the bull by the horns. “I was in there admiring another exhibition and I suddenly thought it would be a wonderful venue to exhibit my paintings,” he says. “Consequently I brought my portfolio along and they were very quick to give me a month’s slot. I hope to concentrate more on solo exhibitions in the future.”

Robert Lloyd’s exhibition of paintings will be launched at the Phoenix Park Visitor’s Centre at 2pm on 3rd February, running until 28th February.

Admission is free.

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