PHOTOGRAPHED CHRISTMAS EVE 2024

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About the Artist

Marion, a French artist residing in Ireland since 2017, brings a unique blend of cultural influences to her work. Originally from Brittany, France, she was raised amidst the serene countryside and the captivating coastline. This upbringing instilled in her a deep appreciation for nature and Celtic traditions, elements that resonate strongly in her art. In March 2021, Marion established her illustration studio, Explore with Marion, where she channels her passion for design and art into diverse creative projects.

Explore with Marion

Explore with Marion is an illustration studio based in County Kildare, Ireland. The studio’s work is characterized by a focus on capturing the beauty of the Irish landscape through art prints, travel posters, and postcards. Marion’s artistic vision is inspired by her travels across Ireland, where she documents scenic landscapes, charming towns, and picturesque moments in her sketchbook.  

PAINT-A-BOX Street Art Project

The PAINT-A-BOX project is an initiative by Dublin City Council that transforms traffic signal boxes into vibrant works of art. This public art project invites artists and community groups to submit their designs, with selected entries being painted on the boxes throughout the city. The project began as a trial run with 11 traffic signal boxes on Dublin’s Northside and has since expanded to include all of Dublin City Council and the three other local authority areas.  

Marion’s portfolio showcases a diverse range of projects, including:

Merchandising: Marion has designed merchandise for Nick’s Coffee.  
Custom Outdoor Tables: She has created custom-designed outdoor tables.  
Vitamin Sea Socks: Marion has designed “Vitamin Sea” socks.  
Acrylic Painting: She has produced acrylic paintings.  
Dublin Canvas: Marion has participated in the Dublin Canvas project.  
Sip & Paint Workshops: She conducts Sip & Paint workshops.  
Custom Digital Illustrations: Marion creates custom digital illustrations.  
Meeting Room Mural: She has painted a mural for a meeting room.  
Barry’s Tea Campaign: Marion has contributed to a Barry’s Tea campaign.  
Dublin Audio Tour: She has worked on a Dublin audio tour.  
“Never Stop Exploring” Posters: Marion has designed posters with the theme “Never Stop Exploring”.  
Flower Shop Cards: She has created cards for a flower shop.  
Working from Home – Communication Support: Marion has provided communication support materials for those working from home.  
Lockdown Building Illustrations: She has created illustrations of buildings during lockdown.  

mbstones: Marion has produced artwork with the hashtag #mbstones.  

Architecture & Interior Sketches: She has created architectural and interior sketches.  

Art in Dublin

Dublin has a vibrant art scene with numerous galleries showcasing a variety of styles. Some of the prominent galleries in Dublin include:

National Gallery of Ireland: This gallery houses a vast collection of Irish and European art, including works by renowned artists like Caravaggio, Titian, and Picasso.  
Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane: This gallery is known for its collection of modern and contemporary art.  
Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA): Located in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, IMMA features a diverse range of modern and contemporary art.  
Molesworth Gallery: This gallery showcases contemporary Irish and international art.  
Gormleys Art Gallery: Located in Dublin’s gallery quarter, Gormleys specializes in contemporary painting and sculpture.  

Celtic Connections: Brittany and Ireland

Brittany and Ireland share a deep-rooted Celtic heritage, evident in their culture, music, and dance. Both regions have a history of Celtic language and traditions. The Breton language, spoken in Brittany, is one of the six surviving Celtic languages, sharing similarities with Welsh and Cornish. The Celts were the first identifiable inhabitants of Brittany, and their influence is still visible in the region’s cultural landscape.  

Coastal Landscapes: Brittany and Ireland

Both Brittany and Ireland are renowned for their dramatic coastal landscapes. Brittany’s coastline stretches over 2,700 kilometers and is characterized by diverse features, including sandy beaches, hidden coves, steep cliffs, and picturesque ports. The region’s coastal areas offer opportunities for hiking, exploring islands, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Atlantic Ocean.
 
Conclusion

Marion, a French artist based in Ireland, draws inspiration from her upbringing in Brittany and her explorations of the Irish landscape. Her studio, Explore with Marion, reflects her passion for capturing the essence of these environments through various art forms. While specific details about her artistic process remain elusive, her diverse portfolio and participation in projects like PAINT-A-BOX demonstrate her versatility and commitment to her craft. The connection between Brittany and Ireland through their shared Celtic heritage and coastal landscapes further enriches Marion’s artistic journey, adding another layer of depth and meaning to her work.

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