About

Bio

I am an Artist/ Maker and graduate with a BA(Hons) in Contemporary Applied Art. I have an accredited certificate in ‘Darkroom Photography Now’ from CCAD, works generated from this course were exhibited in Night Vision at the CIT CCAD gallery in May 2019.

At present I hold a darkroom space with the Backwater Artist Group, Wandesford Quay, Cork. I also have a studio space in the new independent artists’ studio, Sabhrann Studios, Cork City, set up in May 2019.

I work in a wide range of media. I am currently working with machine embroidery drawing (drawing with stitch), photography and the darkroom process of photograms. My practice is a playful interaction between myself, process and material often exploring themes of ‘The Everyday’, domesticity and ritual/routine.

My piece Testing, 2018, is part of the Eli Lily Pharmaceutical Company’s collection in Kinsale, Cork and I was awarded a place in the exhibition FLEDGLINGS: CCAD Emerging Artists at the Lavitt Gallery, Cork on on merit of my degree show exhibition. Recent Exhibitions include; Meet The Carnies, part of the Pitch’d Circus Arts Festival 2019, Backwater Artist Group Winter Salon 2019, and The Knitting and Stitching Show, Dublin 2018.

Link: http://backwaterartists.ie/facilities/darkroom-hire/edaein-samuels/#

Artist Statement

Type 1 Diabetes has become a big part of my life since being diagnosed in 2013 and to a certain extent I am still coming to terms with the illness.

Living with Diabetes is complicated, a constant balancing act between monitoring food intake, blood glucose levels and injections.  Insulin and needles are constant companions wherever I go and whatever I do, they are my life-line on which I depend. Pricking my fingers, testing blood sugars and injecting with every meal is now a ritual threaded throughout daily life.

These routines, as well as data, charts and graphs generated by blood-glucose monitoring, inform and inspire my work. Sewing needles are emblematic in my work, linking my Diabetes and my affinity with textiles. My practice is a positive outlet for frustrations and anxieties surrounding my illness and a playful interaction between myself, process and material.