My work is concerned with the elemental processes of landscape and how they resonate with my own inner world. I combine an intuitive and tactile exploration of the painting medium with research into the areas of geological activity, natural phenomena and the development of organic form. In the course of their formation, my paintings reflect both the gradual and the violent aspects of growth, change and erosion. My work is in a sense a homage to the force of nature. The prints function as a microcosm-a finely balanced and sustainable system where each of the complex variety of marks makes a vital and unique contribution to the success of the whole. A state of fragile stability is achieved between clarity and diffusion, between the relative density of substance versus space, between structure and chaos.

including Untitled (left)

including Refuge (left)

including Counter Wave (left)

including Rita's Lilac Tree (left)

Sioban Piercy lived in Italy for six months in 1993 and much of the work made on her return to Ireland showed a marked influence of the Italian fresco. This latest work still reflects aspects of the early Renaissance but the visual references are now much broader and more oblique. As before the prints often depict the human figure but now they also include a diverse range of images such as leaves, feathers, geometrical forms as well as architectural features. The images and the titles of the pieces suggest narratives or, as in the case of the “Divine Comedy” series, suggest illustrations to a narrative, however any direct reading proves elusive. These images are designed to lead the viewer to a range of possible interpretations, they suggest individuals engaged with internal psychial struggles, personal realities or states of being but these interpretations remain as possibilities only. This results in images that have a powerful resonance rather than a direct symbolic significance. Many of the prints work as a series; the images working off each other visually and contextually creating a dynamic within the meaning of each individual piece. The prints present a rich visual vocabulary that is demanding and intriguing.

including Array (left)

including 6 Paper Bags Made for Takeo (left)