Karena Ryan designs and hand makes each piece in her County Galway studio in the West of Ireland.
She combines free motion embroidery , hand embroidery and beading to create her unique textile artwork that often feature words that are manually typed using her vintage typewriter. She draws inspiration from Irish poetry, literature, music and the Wild Atlantic Way.
Irish tweed, Aran knit, hand dyed linens, vintage fabric and silks are her favourite to work with as they hold a certain narrative and add a touch of nostalgia to each hand made artwork.
Karena is passionate about creating sustainably and this is reflected in her textile art.
€140,00
This textile artwork is Inspired by the poem "Faoiseamh mo Gheobhadsa" by Mairtin O Direain, a native of the Aran Islands.
“Faoiseamh a Gheobhadsa,” written in Irish by Máirtín Ó Direáin, is a poetic pathway to peace and security. Although it speaks of walking between the shore and the sea, the poem is about the solid sense of identity we find in places and people, in land and language. I believe we all want to feel closer to the sea, the land and family since lockdown has made us think about what is important to us. We are all in some way trying to find peace in some form.
The piece features vintage Aran knit that has been embellished by hand with moss green glass beads, Donegal tweed that adds more colour and texture. The poem has been typed manually on Karena's vintage writer ( a turquoise 1957 Smith Corona Corsair).
As each piece is made by hand using a variety of fabrics, no two pieces are the exact same so bear this in mind when ordering. If a piece is in stock it will be shipped within 24 hours.
Frame
The piece is framed in a limed wood box frame behind glass. As I am passionate about sustainability, my frames, packaging and wrapping are custom made in Ireland.
Frame measures 26 x 26 cm.
Artwork measures 12 x 12 cm
Each framed artwork is packed very carefully in custom made cardboard boxes followed by a layer of bubble wrap and then wrapped with biodegradable wrapping paper and tied up with string (these are a few of my favourite things!
Click and collect option if you are living nearby!
The full poem can be read below in Irish and English.
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Irish/ As Gaeilge |
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Faoiseamh a gheobhadsa |
I would find peace |
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Seal beag gairid |
For a short time |
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I measc mo dhaoine |
In the midst of my people |
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Ar oileán mara |
On an island of the sea |
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Ag siúl cois cladaigh |
Walking by the strand |
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Maidin is tráthnóna |
Morning and evening |
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Ó Luain go Sathairn |
From Monday to Saturday |
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Thiar ag baile |
At home in the west |
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Faoiseamh a gheobhadsa |
I would find peace |
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Seal beag gairid |
For a short time |
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I measc mo dhaoine |
In the midst of my people |
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Ar oileán mara |
On an island of the sea |
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Ó chrá chroí |
From torments of the heart |
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Ó uaigneas duairc |
From miserable solitude |
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Ó bhfuar d'aigne |
From coldness of the mind |
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Thiar ag baile |
At home in the west |
"This is one of my favourite small businesses to support. Karena created two beautiful pieces - one for me and one for my parents living in Ireland. The detail is breathtaking. Such an amazing talent. Her communication throughout was fantastic and everything was delivered really quickly I can't wait to buy some treasures from Karena"
— Mary Tyrell Place, UK
"Karena made a beautiful embroidery hoop for me recently as a family gift, she also made a really unique & personal hand made wedding card, she put so much work into both and was greatly appreciated. I would highly recommend Karena for gifts to give or receive!
— Breda Ruane, County Galway
"Karena made some fabulous embroidery hoops for me - one capturing my lovely dog, Molly - which was made into an Xmas Decoration - a perfect memory for years to come. She also made a custom embroidery hoop with a wonderful Oscar Wilde quote on it - just beautiful! Her work is detailed, creative and beautiful.
— Sarah Petersen, Galway
