ARTIST SPOTLIGHT 01
Evelyn O’Neill (she/her)
In my mid 40s I woke up to my true sexuality, Lesbian. It was at the same time as the campaign for the Marriage Equality Referendum. I challenged many people in my life by questioning their arguments to vote against it, as I was still not out, my arguments for a yes vote were often unexpected. I was so lucky to have been welcomed wholeheartedly by so many wonderful women in LINQ - being part of the drama group brought so many laughs, tears and fun. Five years ago, I moved to Bulgaria to work full time on exploring the skills of painting. I use imagery to challenge traditional thinking of what is beauty, normal and acceptable.
commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Marriage Equality Referendum in Ireland. It also marks ten years since I myself came out. It was painted to capture my joy at having a space to be myself, based on photographs of myself at Pride, and has inspired me to continue with a series to explore the glimpsed moments of ‘normal’ joy in queer life. THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO’S SHARED THEIR WONDERFUL PHOTOS AND MEMORIES SO FAR.
My name is Evelyn O’Neill, (she/her) I’m a queer, older emerging Irish artist living, at the moment, out of my suitcase. I grew up between Cork and Limerick, where I was encouraged by my art teacher, Miss Barry. I went on to study Product Design in NCAD, Dublin and left Ireland for many years returning with 3 wonderful children. I worked for years away from art supporting my family. I got back into Life Drawing at the Crawford Art College in the evenings.
Instagram: @eveoneillart SOCIALS
This painting, titled: ‘Space for Joy’ is part of an ongoing series to
#CorkPride2025
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