In Winter 2024, a vivid dream about a whale left me in a state of awe. A few weeks later the humpback whale pictured above visited the Shannon estuary near my home. So began a new series, which I call Foinse.
Art: ‘Harbinger’ (2025), oils on board, 34 x 64 cm. © Kathryn Mary Crowley.
Foinse
Pronounced ‘fween-sheh’, Foinse is the Irish word for ‘source’.
Upcycling
In November 2024, I wrote about how microplastics cause damage to ocean creatures and human health. That aspect of the project was widely shared online.
I began collecting nets: the ones used to wrap fruit and vegetables. In response to my public call for donations, almost 50 people kindly sent me their used netting from all over Ireland and the UK. As promised, monthly art gifts were sent in the spirit of reciprocity throughout 2025.
I stopped collecting nets at Samhain (November 2025).
2026 update
In response to my research and visual work, I’m writing new poetry.
I also continue to work with the plastic nets to create an artwork.
How to work with me
If you’d like to collaborate, please send me a short, concise email. Include
- a brief description about what you have in mind
- the payment on offer
- a timeframe
Process notes
I wrote about the challenge of working with fruit and vegetable nets last Autumn:
Art for sale
People on my mailing list will see original paintings, drawings, and a limited number of prints, for sale. If you’d like to view works for sale at Spring Equinox (March 20th, 2026), or to read monthly updates about my creativity, subscribe below.
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Kathryn Mary Crowley 