Brid Egan - Artist

Written by Staff Reporter

Wednesday, 13 January 2010

Name: Brid Egan
Location: Rosa Parks Art Gallery
Occupation: Artist
Favourite thing about Galway: The Prom and Salthill
Worst thing about Galway: The litter and the traffic

On graduating from college, Brid Egan found herself lost without the support of other artists. Her solution? Set up her own gallery!

After leaving school in the early 80s, opportunities were not plentiful for Brid Egan. Given the tough economic conditions, she was delighted when she got a job at a local hotel, where she continued to work for a number of years.

While she enjoyed her varied working week and the opportunity to meet new people, Brid always craved something more and had always wanted to go to college.

So in 1996, she made the decision to move to Galway and complete a FAS computer course. This was the first step to realising her true dream of becoming an artist.

In 2002, the dream became a reality, as she enrolled in a part-time Art and Design course at GMIT's Cluain Mhuire campus. Working three 12-hour nights a week in Boston Scientific to finance her studies, Brid graduated with a degree in 2008 as 'Student of the Year' and continued for another year to obtain her honours degree.

It was a tough number of years for Brid, working fulltime in addition to attending college, but she was soon enthralled in her new career and describes the feeling of being immersed in her art as "a dream".

"It was strange to go back to college after being in the workforce for 20 years! Luckily, I managed to work my shifts around my time on campus and it was so worth it in the end. I'd advise anyone who thinks they would like to return to studying and develop their skills to go for it. You're never too old to learn, and I haven't looked back since!"

However after leaving, she soon found a void in her life and missed having interaction with other artists. She also recognised the difficulties facing newly qualified artists and decided to convert her home into a gallery for emerging talent in the city.

Brid completely self-financed the three-month renovation of her suburban home into a gallery and studio space and it was officially opened by Michael D Higgins in November, with the inaugural exhibition, 'Nua Ealain na Samhna'.

"I had bought the house in 2001 with a friend, but once I had graduated, I needed to create a space to work in. After a renovation, we were ready to go and it has been hugely successful ever since. The place is buzzing and there is a great momentum. It's a great tool for learning as well, as you watch others at work. We do a number of exhibitions as well, which is great, as it gives you something to focus on.

"We have people aged six to 61, so it creates a great atmosphere. Children bring a certain element of innocence, which is lovely."

The latest exhibition at the Rosa Parks was opened in late December and had a theme of 'When, Then and Now'. It was a great success and showcased works in many disciplines, from painting to sculpture.

Going forward, Brid would love the gallery to become more involved with the Galway Arts Festival and sees herself travelling to New York to study for a Masters in the future.

In the meantime, she enjoys cycling, socialising with friends and her ultimate guilty pleasure of taking her niece to the g Hotel for tea and cakes!

Brid also wants to concentrate on developing her own art, and sees herself as an artist rather than a curator.

"My own art is my number one priority. I like to work with oil on canvas and I am fascinated by history. I often use elements of the past in my work. My paintings are an expression of affirmation of history of the present moment. I love to key in on the things that happen in the world and represent my take on what is happening, has happened or indeed has yet to happen."

The Rosa Parks Gallery is located at 3 McDonagh Avenue in Mervue. For more information, phone 087-7952495 or log on to www.bridegan.ie.

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