Clodhopper Clodclobber, 2026

Tufted masks and objects made in collaboration with Laois LGBTQ+ workshop participants: Plate Face, Ear Buzzer, Hurley bird, Cat Tears for Sale, Pig Stone Circle, Sliotar Nest, The Enchanted Hare.

These works were kindly commissioned by Laois County Council and Laois Arts in partnership with Laois Social Prescribing/ Connect Laois and Laois Pride.

Working together, participants were inspired by characters and stories from Nuala Hayes' book, Laois Folk Tales, 2015 to create expansions, embellishments, exaggerations and extensions to these tales. Over three workshops we worked with collaborative drawings, games, collage and punch needle embroidery to create the ideas and designs behind these pieces.

These masks and objects were worn and held by the workshop participants in Laois Pride Parade. They were then displayed as part of my exhibition Clodhoppers in Stradbally Arthouse, opening Culture Night, 18 September and running until 24 October.