The Greying Dance and the Wisdom of Butterflies

Katrina O’Brien’s striking works of ink, acrylic and graphite sway between painting and drawing. Indeed, Katrina sees her artwork as a kind of dance, and a way of delving into her own and others’ inner psyche.

Says Katrina: “Sometimes I see things for a fleeting moment and they become etched in my mind. As I sat inside during lockdown, I looked outside trying to comprehend the state of the world…when two butterflies flew past the window – perhaps they were just moths, but they had the elegance of butterflies. I can still recall their dance in my mind.

The playful old butterflies snuck off under the shadow of the cloud. Greying, flying, flittering creatures that tumbled together through the air. Their youth may have faded, but something of their beauty remained. I stored the memory away, knowing I would bring it to life one day.”