Bernie Leahy

Bernie Leahy creates line drawings and sculptural objects using threads, oil pen, textiles and other materials. Her work refers to the anatomy, as a means to explore moments and experiences in the passing of time. For Leahy, fabrics can be seen as containers for personal stories and histories.

In her current body of work, Reveal, Leahy builds up layers of drawings to explore ideas of interaction and vulnerability, exploiting the delicate shadows cast by threads on fabric. She responds to the interplay of light on the surfaces of the textiles, constructing a narrative dimension into which she works her drawings. Using the reverse side of densely hand-stitched materials, she embraces their vibrant imperfection and combines them with sparsely marked drawings on rice paper. The lightness in these materials gives the drawings a rich, delicate quality.

Leahy gained a Dip.Design from the National College of Art and Design in 1987, and went on to study for a Dip.ADT, finishing in 1995.