I originally came to Ireland on a holiday almost a lifetime ago. After a couple of years in Dublin, moving to the country was imperative. I have been living in Leitrim now for over 35 years. Leitrim was unspoilt, friendly and very beautiful in a subtle sort of way, and I have never regretted settling here. This is where my creativity really took off. A large garden, a short walk to the banks of the Shannon, plus streetscapes and buildings, old and new - that's my inspiration. I have always loved drawing, even as a child, when it was the edges of my school books that suffered. The intricacies of a few lines giving shape, light and distance has always interested me. I draw and paint subjects that give me pleasure, but I mainly work to commission, portraying houses, people young and old, and animals. This is also very satisfying as I enjoy working closely with my clients to achieve what they want and hope for in a picture.

Predominantly known as an artist working with pen and ink, Sandra Vernon also works with paper in a different format. Her interest in light, shape and texture has led her to express herself in three dimensional forms. Working with recycled and handmade papers, and other alternative materials such as tree bark fibres, Sandra creates wonderful one-off lights and decorative objects in a range of shapes and colours. Papier mâché is surprisingly lient (the Ancient Chinese and the Victorians made functional objects from it), intriguingly textured and lightweight to transport. Sandra's collection includes a wide selection of personalised decorative shoes, many individualized for weddings, on beautifully turned wooden stands.