Artist’s Statement – Fred McElwee
Born in Dublin in 1947, Fred McElwee trained and practised as an architect. However, his first interest has always been drawing and painting . He studied art at both NCAD and DLIADT.
Special aspects of the Irish landscape which have captured Fred’s imagination are the ever-changing light of the seasons, the moods of our inconsistent weather and the interacting invisible force of the wind. The pervasive influence of architect is evident throughout the work and as such he is especially attuned to line and shape, to mass and structure, to the telling detail that is no mere ornament but an integral part of what gives the solid form its sense of permanence within change.
The handling of foliage, in particular, combines an almost scientific appreciation for the weight of a branch and the effect of a strong gust of wind. Yet the intense pleasure in light makes it seem almost as if these solid objects are woven out of the light and the prismatic effects of colour.
Fred has exhibited extensively both at home and abroad including at the RHA, Molesworth Gallery, Jogensen Fine Art, Dillon Gallery London and Barbara Stanley Fine Art London.