My life experience has probably been my most valuable muse and training in the arts. I was born in Belfast and I have become a citizen of every land that I travel to. I have lived in many locations in Ireland. I currently live in Lúbaan, in the beautiful Glens of Antrim. A tranquil setting, full of friendly people with a scenic landscape filled with ancient history and natural beauty.
I am perhaps among the few artists in Ireland who have first hand experience of the Irish/British political conflict. This historical political discord (100s of years old) is one important influence on art that I create.
Over the years I have used a variety of traditional and multi media techniques to create a body of work that is influenced by conflict and the search for human rights.
Alongside my 'art and peace' work I produce a substantial body of work that is influenced by the fantastic stories of mythology, nature, literature and culture. I recently held a multimedia exhibition on the life of the honey bee. The beautiful poetry of Seamus Heaney has been a great influence. In 2000 when Seamus Heaney became aware of my work, he sent me a personal letter expressing his support. After he viewed images of my art that sought to capture the themes of his poetry, he quoted WB Yeats in his letter to describe what I was doing:
‘Those images that yet
Fresh images beget’.
Byzantium, W.B. Yeats
I continue to produce art in many countries around the globe and to have great experiences and brilliant opportunities to learn from: A four month arts’ residency in Calcutta (Kolkata) India, 3 months in Uppsala, Sweden, I exhibited in New York, I found ‘brothers in art’ in the Aboriginal community, Australia and created site specific installation in Valencia, Spain, completed two artists residencies in Umm Al Fahm, North Israel/Palestine. I have worked in schools and community centers across the Basque Country with the International Gathering of Artists for Peace, I held many workshops and discussions in England, including Oxford University, and have worked with numerous communities and school groups across Ireland.
I have exhibited widely in Ireland and in many international venues. For details of past events and exhibitions please have a look at my CV section.
Thank you for visiting www.thehandsofhistory.com I hope that you enjoy the experience; feel free to pass these details along to everyone you know. I value any comments and feedback so please send me an email or join my mailing list at: raymie.watson@gmail.com
Good luck,
Raymond Watson
