Back from left: Claire Delabre, Manchàn Magan, Ursula Meehan, Jurgita Stuckaite, Paul Timoney, Finbar Coady, with daughters Gloria and Frieda .

'Solastalgia' exhibition is open!

Handmade Design Studio opened its doors on Thursday evening for the opening of ‘Solastalgia’, an exhibition of new paintings by artist Ursula Meehan.

The shop situated on Mount Street has a unique artistic and artisan quality with a focus on promoting Irish contemporary craft and upcycled furniture. This is all carefully curated by its owner Claire Delabre whose vision and eye for beauty has created a distinctive space.

The exhibition was opened by Mullingar native and artist Paul Timoney who with great skill and humour gave insight into the artist's work.

The oil paintings, Paul referred to them as "internal landscapes", reflect on loss, grief and transition through an exploration of dark and light. Ursula focuses on the bare elements of earth, sky, cloud in these artwork. She explores her theme through her strong use of colour to enhance the contemplative feeling within the paintings.

Ursula originally from Dublin has been living in rural North Westmeath for 25 years and its landscape and natural beauty is a major influence in her work.

Westmeath County Council supported the development of the work through its artists bursary grant.

*Solastalgia runs till February 20, Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 6pm