Reminders’ Art Exhibition on display at Offaly venue

'JAM packed’ and ‘sold out’ are two of the phrases which came to mind when reflecting back on the launch of local artist Esther Lambe’s exhibition, ‘Reminders’, in the KDA, Kilcormac on Tuesday November 26^th.

After an introduction by Hannah, Administrator, KDA, “What gets you out of bed in the morning?” was the question posed by Sadie Keating, Esther’s wing man and twin sister as she launched the exhibition. Clearly after 40 years teaching and raising a family of six Esther’s ‘Reminders’ and reasons to get up were clearly to be seen. As person after person walked in the door it was evident that past and present were merging.

Gazing benignly on the scenes were remarkable portraits of Mr and Mrs President, Michael and Sabina Higgins. A painting of a Loco and a bog train were side by side as we journeyed through Lough Boora Bog. Reminders of the’ Birch Bog’, ‘Winter trees’ and ’Sunset colours’ adorned the walls. Roses, swans and the ‘Bird hut’ were chosen as favourites by many but portraits of Jonny (son in law) and Kilcormac legend Jim Feighery won the day. Jim, long gone but never forgotten, dominated the room and attracted many compliments.

Inspiration comes from many directions in Esther Lambe’s life. Grandchildren, sisters, and family were first on the list but as Esther disclosed that she talks to her paintings and they respond, it was apparent that painting for her involves much more than technical skill and years spent in Art College. First a connection must be made, then the work begins. Days, nights and months of brushwork at the easel keeps her going as she admits that Alla Prima work and portrait painting are her preferences.

As they made their way to the Lough Boora Room, they were again introduced to Esther’s inspiration. Portraits of her grandchildren intermingling with a ‘Pink Lady’, a ‘Dark Beauty’ and a ‘Remembering’ face, attracted much attention. Shane Lowry and a Ukrainian grandad held sway in this room. Passing by two large paintings of ‘Dawn’ to ‘Dusk’ in Lough Boora, to ‘Wave Dance’ and ‘ Night Moon’ they arrived at the ‘Tea Hut’ which said “Men Only”. This hut, from the middle of Cloghan Bog at the junction of many rail lines, though sadly no longer there, should bring many memories to those who worked in Boora bog.

‘Cloud Gatherings’ and ‘Evening Storm’, were also part and parcel of life in the Lough Boora room but as the assembled friends and family know each day brings new joys which need to be treasured. ‘Reminders’ is more than an exhibition of oil paintings. It is a showcase of all the artist holds dear in her life and they look forward to many more such exhibitions. This exhibition which is almost at an end is well worth a visit.

Esther wishes to extend her thanks to Linda and the staff of the KDA and to the many people who attended and supported her. More of Esther’s paintings can be viewed in Ard Aoibhinn, Mount Bolus, thanks to the generosity of the Mount Bolus Housing Association and in the ‘Common Ground Exhibition’ currently on view in Birr Arts Theatre. The Kilcormac Development Association building is beside the Church of the Assumption in Kilcormac.