Rebecca Carroll

Rebecca Carroll was born in Listowel, County Kerry Ireland and received a Diploma in design with merit from Limerick College of Art & Design in 1990. She worked in Radio Telefis Eireann (National television station) for eight years as a Graphic Designer. Since 1998 she has lived at the mouth of the Shannon, County Kerry, Rebecca has been painting prolifically since 1998, and to date has had numerous solo and group exhibitions. She also uses her design skills for Graphic work.

Rebecca was the visual art coordinator for the Brendan Kennelly Festival, Co. Kerry from 2000-2004. She published her first book, on painting & poetry in collaboration with Mary Kennelly, which was launched at Listowel Writer's week 2004. She will work on her second book during the winter 2007 following her 3 exhibitions in America this year. Rebecca is married to David and they have two children Elliott & Ellen.

"The essence of my work depicts nature and spirituality. The works are created spontaneously from the sub-conscious. I employ abstract qualities of colour, texture and lines to create the pieces. It is as if someone is guiding me - at times I know this presence to be the Holy Spirit. My challenge is to create with reverence and never to neglect my gift. The emotions encountered daily, make me evolve and think more deeply about values in life.

I paint for myself first and then for the messages that people receive from my paintings. Some people feel a sense of peace when they stay with a painting for a moment. When a work appeals to someone I believe it is because there is a quality in that painting which is a reflection of the viewers self. I sometimes think I become their bridge from this realm to the next. I feel privileged to be an artist and consider it a noble ministry."