Instagram Pick of the Week | Ciara O’Neill
We love Instagram! Why? Because it gives you access to tonnes of visual art at your finger tips! Follow @thisheadstuff to stay up to date with our finds on our favourite app!
Every week HeadStuff’s Visual Arts Editor will feature posts from their favourite artists on Instagram. So add the hashtag #thisheadstuff to be featured!
Up this week is Ciara O’Neill aka @ciaramakesthings, an artist and illustrator who recently graduated from NCAD. She just wrapped up exhibiting in Agora Rollberg in Berlin and is now embarking on a new body of work that explores themes of young love and loss. We love her bright and bold depictions of women grounded in themes of feminism and body politics.
What is Instagram for you?
An easy (and most importantly free) method of self promotion. It’s a way to share your own work but also to see what others are sharing. It’s a creative hub where anybody has the ability to inspire and be inspired.
Why/when did you decide to start sharing your work on there?
I think it was during my final year of studying fine art. I remember being involved in a conversation about life after college. In NCAD I felt so safe and supported, I was surrounded by other artists and we all helped one and other. Towards the end of college I realised life in the big bad world was going to be very different; you have to put yourself out there yourself, no tutor or peer is going to be there to help you. That’s when I started my Instagram, it’s a great way to get your work out into the world.
How would you describe your style?
I’m still working on my individual style so I guess ever-changing?
What materials do you use?
I jump around between paint, embroidery and digital media.
Who has been or currently is an influence on you?
At the moment I’m a big fan of Petra Collins. I like making collages as a starting point when illustrating and Collins’ photography features a lot in them.
What are your must-follow accounts on Instagram?
@robineisenberg, @kliuwong and @pollunor.
What’s the best hashtag going and why?
#wip is good for seeing people’s processes and working patterns. Other than that I tag a lot of stuff with #vagina which doesn’t always get the desired response.
