Advertising language also features in the work, reflecting the fragmented reality that dissects your field of vision as you walk through a city; a billboard here, a bus ad there. The world is full of bright colours, textures and sounds and is in a constant state of flux. Its allure, power and beauty stems from its diversity.

‘In the (K)now!’, Acrylic and Mixed Media on Canvas, Catherine Ryan, 2015

The overriding concept behind my work is that contemporary life is complex yet there is an overall unity to things, a cosmic order. This intricacy and interdependence is reflected in my multi-layered collages; different materials are brought together through the medium of paint. My painting-collages extend the limits of the 2 dimensional canvas by incorporating highly textured elements that extend around all the edges. Small items are found by me and some are donated. (Materials are thoroughly steeped before use). Although my work is multicoloured, each painting in a series contains a particular colour scheme – for example Irish themed works contain green white and orange, while New York works contain hot pink and neon yellow.

I am always on the look-out for new materials that further warp the traditional flat painting plane, such as holographic elements that create 3D effects, thereby deepening the field of vision. A sense of play is important to me, to facilitate a connection with the piece. For this purpose I also use fragments of mirror to create space for the viewer to become an active part of the collages. My work conveys joy, humour and the power of the imagination to see the potential of the ordinary. My artwork celebrates the interconnectedness of all things. More is more!