Hetty Lawlor 

I aim to create believable scenes of connection between humans and wildlife, through careful lighting, constructed action, and layering of figures. I have chosen to focus on specific animals whose behaviour has been affected by the presence of humans. Some of these creatures have evolved around humans, who regard them as vermin, while others can survive only by avoiding humans. Each painting offers a hopeful experiential connection between human and wild animal. My style is partly influenced by representations of animals and people in older cultural forms such tarot cards or stained-glass windows, which suggest a history of connection between humans and wildlife in Ireland. My approach to colour is shaped by my interest in how animals perceive the world, specifically how they see differently from humans. I want to challenge the narrative of wildlife invading ‘human space’ and pose questions about how they can co-exist.