Spanish Point pupils shortlisted in art competition

THE creative talents of two pupils from St Joseph’s Secondary School in Spanish Point have put them and their school in the running for national honours.

Elizabeth Murphy of Spanish Point and Seán Hanrahan of Miltown Malbay, both 13 years of age, have been shortlisted in the Boyne Valley Book of Kells National Art Competition after they produced works of art based on the brief of using inspiration from either the Book of Kells itself, the monks who wrote and illustrated the tome, or life in the 9th century.
Speaking about the creative process involved in the work, Elizabeth explained, “I got the idea from my history book. My teacher, Miss Staunton, told us about the competition and encouraged us to get involved. I based my picture on a page from The Book of Kells. I used watercolours and it took me about six days in total, on and off. I really enjoyed taking part as art is my favourite subject and I would like to be an artist when I’m older.”
Seán revealed the creative process involved in his picture.
“I saw The Book of Kells in Trinity College with my family and I wanted to base my entry on a page from the book. I like art but my favourite subject is technical graphics. I used all my tech-graphic equipment to create a detailed picture with my own twist on the colours,” he revealed.
Adjudicator Malachy McCloskey, founder and chairman of the Boyne Valley Honey Company, said their creations really stood out due to their use of colour and unique style.
“Both Elizabeth and Seán used pages from The Book of Kells as their starting points but the two finished pieces were very different, due to each of the student’s unique use of colour and style,” he acknowledged.
Other members of the adjudication panel are Des Egan, renowned poet; Robin Adams, college librarian and archivist, Trinity College and Edward McPartland, Fellow Emeritus, History of Art, Trinity College.
The culmination of the competition will be an exhibition of the winning entries, with the winners being presented their prizes by TV presenter Miriam O’Callaghan in March.
Three fine art facsimiles of The Book of Kells will be presented to the winning primary and secondary schools and to the individual from the third-level and adult category, with runners up receiving cash prizes.