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Ceinwen Birrell MFA, MA.

Glasgow, 1981.

The figurative images within my paintings are largely taken from my personal photos that have captured intimate moments with friends and family, these are then merged with other images that have been found and or imagined.

I am interested in the layering of experiences that we inhabit- the ordinary day to day ‘conscious realm’ coexisting alongside surreal, other-worldly ideas and memories of dream-time. I am equally inspired by known stories that hold knowledge of the human condition and our connection to nature and spirit.

My paintings can hold qualities of sadness or loss and at times a darkness that sits in dichotomy with an innocence; not dissimilar to the themes within folklore and fairytales, from this I hope to express something of the dualities in life: in the light and the dark.

The tradition of folklore is fluid and one of adaption and growth; such stories evolved with their environments and the societies that spoke them. My hope is for the tangled stories that are layered into my work to intermingle with the viewers’ and that from this ‘third space’ new stories can be formed.

Exhibitions | Events | Publications

2023 | The View Gallery | Bristol

2023 | The Other Art Fair | London

2021 | ‘Yellowed Blossoms’ published on the cover of the ‘International Journal of Art Therapy: Inscape

2021 | Bristol Artist’s Collaborative - D-Unit Gallery | Bristol

2019 | Examined Expressions - Lansdown Gallery | Stroud

2018 | Grow - The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre | Newport

2017 | Attachment - Barnabas Arts House | Newport

2010 | Ceinwen & Star - The Emporium Gallery | Bristol

2010 | Center Space Gallery | Bristol

2009 | Bath Spa University | Bath

2008 | Pop Up Exhibition - Lansdown Road | Bath

2005-2010 | TAA Random Artists Annual Exhibition | London, Brighton & Bristol

2005 | Royal West of England Academy | Bristol