The Sketchbook Library of Ireland, founded in 2023 by Anna Wiercioch, Ani Borg, Suella Holland and Maria Jordan-O’Reilly, aims to become the largest collection of sketchbooks in Ireland. We hope to reignite that artistic spark, inspire first time creatives create a time capsule of the work on visual artists on our little island. We want to create a space for your art to live on into the future.
We aim to be more than just a library. We will also be an archive, a snapshot of Irish creativity, a glimpse at what people are thinking and a source for limitless inspiration. This will be a unique archive.
As we begin this journey we are building the framework for an Irish project that will develop creative programs and inspire creativity, and we will be very grateful for your support in this new undertaking. Come and build this with us, because, if we build it, they will come!
You can support us by participating – just buy a sketchbook and become part of this adventure! We are very happy to accept donations, particularly as we are getting off the ground, and down the line, we would love the support of volunteers to expand on what we do.
OUR TEAM
Suella Holland
Suella Holland is an Irish photographic artist from Meath now living in Co Cavan. Having photographed derelict buildings for more than a decade Holland has reflected upon the images she was creating and drawn on the recurring themes of layers and secrecy for her current work which addresses dissociation, repetition, manipulation, long-silenced issues of childhood abuse and, ultimately, hope. She has a strong interest in crafts and combines stitching with her photographs to non-verbally communicate subjects that are difficult to articulate verbally.
She has exhibited widely in both solo and group exhibitions and has worked on collaborative projects with artists and writers. She is a Board Member of The Darkroom, Dublin, a member of Visual Artists Ireland and has received bursaries from Meath and Cavan County Councils. Her work is in the collections of both Councils, the Kells Type Trail Archive and in private collections worldwide. She works in publishing and has just completed an MFA in Photography at Ulster University. In 2023 she was nominated for a PhotoIreland RADAR Award and a Star Photobook Dummy Award.
Ani Morton
Based in the lakes of Cavan, Ani is an established Irish artist.
A paper sculpture installation, and carved cardboard were amongst her art exhibited at this year’s Electric Picnic.
Ani has worked and exhibited in paint, print and fabrics.
As one of the founding members of SLI, it is an exciting time for this artist.
Anna Wiercioch
Anna Wiercioch is an artist from Poland who lives on the border of Counties Longford and Cavan for over four years. Shortly after moving to the countryside she found time to come back to art and create on any canvas – from plates through frying pans to toilet seats. Everything can be used to create art.
She has Master degree in Pedagogy: Art and Music. She facilitates art, photography and music workshops for local community groups, libraries and schools.
She loves to learn new techniques, try different mediums and play with art. Every day is good to create some new piece of art. She is a proud mum of three little artists who are already taking after her – multiple art competition winners who love to create as well.
In 2015 Anna started photography Project 365 – documenting every day of her children’s lives. Anna has experience as an event photographer and also as a family and kids studio photographer but her favourite is lifestyle photography where she can capture candid moments.
Maria Jordan-O’Reilly
An eclectic old bird, Maria Jordan-O’Reilly is a creative soul who uses visual art along with other forms of expression to examine her journey through life.
An artistic soul in a body that is getting older and a bit creaky at times. I love taking time to create words and images and to tap into my imagination.
Currently my work continues to evolve, ever changing, as I explore and delve into different processes, tools and techniques.
Some days paint and brush call to me and demand expression, and others it is the pen that is most salient. Occasionally each inspire the other, and pen and brush; paint and words; come together in a flurry of thoughts that neither one can quite hold alone.
One thing I do know, with every venture towards expression, is that the outcome is never guaranteed, much like life itself!
Hello From The Sketchbook Library of Ireland Team
The Sketchbook Library of Ireland Project opens the door to visual artists of every kind. By giving people a blank page, it also gives them the impulse to make and the platform to share. This is art for everyone and artist as anyone.
We are aware that there are such libraries and archives around the country, however these are reserved for the work of prominent artists and as such do not reflect the wide range of wondrous visual art that is produced in this fair isle!
It’s time to create an archive of art from as many creative people as possible across the country, and maybe even set a record for the biggest Sketchbook Library in Ireland in the process.
