Pam Dolan, born and reared in Crossmolina, Co Mayo, is a contemporary visual artist, living and working in Galway. Having graduated with distinction from GMIT in 1987, Pam’s work was chosen, and she was invited to exhibit in Australia as part of their Bicentennial celebrations and she spent two years there exhibiting, working and travelling.
On returning home to Ireland Pam attended Limerick School of Art and Design [LIT], successfully graduating joint top of her class in 1991. From then she taught Art and Crafts at second level, working at the Presentation Secondary School, Galway, (now OLC ) until taking a career break in June 2016. She has been painting full time since, following her dream.
Pam is inspired by familiar, realistic and remembered landscape and is particularly drawn to the rugged landscape of the West of Ireland and its swamps, bogs, woodlands and unique terrain.
"I try to capture the essence of a place and relay to the viewer using a visual language, the story of our unique landscape of which I am so proud!", Pam explained.
The rugged Western shore and the Wild Atlantic Way also inspire many of her pieces. Turbulent seas and their energy play a big part in this particular exhibition and these paintings capture the power and force of nature that is the Atlantic Ocean.
Interestingly enough both extremes of stillness and energy of Pam’s paintings co-exist comfortably on the Courtyard Gallery walls, which only adds to the theme and atmosphere of this solo show.
’Land, Sea and Memory, Revisited” is a name that is very appropriate and befitting for the title of this exhibition. The work reflects and deals with all of these aspects individually and they come together, embracing in a coherent and comfortable fashion and this exhibition is a natural follow on from previous exhibitions by this artist.
This particular exhibition follows “Land Sea & Memory”, a similar themed and very well received solo exhibition that featured in April of this year in the Church Gallery at Ballinasloe Library.
Pam previously had a very successful and critically acclaimed solo exhibition at the Town Hall in Galway in October 2018. The exhibition ‘Boglands, A New Cut’ was opened by Brian Bourke, Artist, RHA.
In both 2018 and 2019 Pam’s work was chosen as one of the Mayo artists exhibiting as part of ‘Made of Mayo’ exhibition for Mayo Day celebrations. Given that this year’s exhibition was staged at the Museum of Country Life, Pam is delighted to be back in the museum venue, this time with a solo exhibition in her native county.
Her work has also been on display at Kenny’s Art Gallery, Lahinch, and has also shown in the RDS at Art Source, which Pam aims to make an annual event.
Pam’s work has not only been bought locally and throughout Ireland, but has also travelled and been sought in the USA and Canada, and hangs in homes as far away as Australia.
"My studio is at my home, which I love. What a luxury to have a space that works. It is functional, has plenty of natural light and space, ample room to move about, explore ideas and work in. A space I feel inspired in. I am very lucky.
"I work in both oil and acrylic. I love both mediums and appreciate each for their unique characteristics and qualities. My work is evolving all the time, from traditional landscape to scenes of uncharacteristic and sometimes brave colour and pattern. What is important to me as an artist is that my work is growing, developing and constantly evolving."
Pam added: “Mayo is a place that is close to my heart, and it is is a great honour and privilege to be exhibiting here in my native county . I hope you enjoy this exhibition as much as I have enjoyed creating it.”
