10 questions for Jackie Lynch

We ask our visiting artists to tell us a little bit about themselves. We hope that these short questionnaires will reveal something that you didn't know or expect about them.

jackie Lynch is a local, multifaceted artists. She is a stalwart of our theatre and we were lucky enough to host the launch of her latest creation, a book of Haikus titles "Light Chains" during this year's Culture Night. The evening was a fabulous opportunity to discover Jackie's art, delve a little deeper in her creative process, but there is more to know about her.

So, who is Jackie? Her answers to our quickfire questionnaire might surprise you!

Q- Tell us about yourself

A- I’m a Birr born visual and archive artist, photographer, film maker and poet who lived in Asia for 7 years. Along with solo projects such as ‘ My Hometown’ book and ‘7’ film I have also collaborated with Offaly Artists on projects such as ‘Birr Fan Trail’, ‘ A Town Reads Mitchell’ and ‘Birr Stills’. My favourite season is Spring. I prefer to wear mohair, linen and Crocs. Most often seen with a cloth bag over my shoulder. I appreciate patterns and texture. I’m a hoarder and love antique fairs, antique shops and auctions.

Q- What did you present in Birr Theatre?

A- A book of Japanese haiku poetry and associated photographs composed following a shock diagnosis that changed the course of my life.

Q- Who is your biggest influence?

A- In my life my daughter Eva, in art the Catalan artist Joan Miro. 

Q- Describe yourself as a 10-year-old.

A- Curious, creative, adventurous, eager to get out into the world. 

Q- What’s your best Artistic memory?

A- Standing in front of Matisse’s ‘The Snail’ and being blown away by the scale of it and feeling my heart react to sitting in front of Mark Rothko’s ‘Red’ painting. 

Q- What’s your worst artistic memory?

A- Trusting a friend to deliver my artworks to exhibition and them arriving with the glass smashed.

Q- Where are you at your happiest?

A- Anywhere I can be creative.

Q- What’s your favourite colour?

A- On walls yellow, lipstick red or plum, to wear depends on my mood.

Q- What’s the last book you enjoyed?

A- Recently I read ‘Wrong Women’ by Caroline West.

Q- What's the last Play or Film that you enjoyed?

A- I watched ‘Saltburn’.

Q- What’s your favourite song of all time?

A- ‘Friends in Time’ by ‘The Golden Horde’

You will find copies of "Light Chains" In Kelly’s CEOS, O Connell St., Birr and SuperValu Birr. We encourage you to seek out this collection of deeply moving and carefully crafted poems.