'A friend just moved to Cork, it's great to see it through new eyes'

TELL us about yourself;

I am an artist based in Cork City. I studied at Limerick School of Art and Design and did my MA in Art and Process at MTU Crawford. I work across a lot of different media at the moment.

I have a solo exhibition in Triskel Arts Centre that has a constellation of work including video, ceramics, sculpture, sound and spoken, light and installation – I like to work with ideas and see what material or media suits best and how they work together in a space.

Where were you born?

I was born in Cork and grew up in West Limerick.

Where do you live?

I live in Blackpool, Cork, where my mother was originally from.

Family?

I come from a family of five and I’m the youngest.

Best friend?

I am lucky to live with some of my best friends. Another best friend from college just moved to Cork which has been lovely. It’s great to see the city through new eyes. I also have best friends dotted around the country which is nice for visiting and getting around to different places.

Earliest childhood memory?

Drinking tea from my bottle, but the milk hadn’t been put in yet so I just drank boiling water. I remember yelping and my dad catching me and hugging me.

Person you most admire?

My mum for being kind and considerate, for still getting excited by new things, being a pillar of strength and always being interested.

Person who most irritates you?

Elon Musk

Where was your most memorable holiday?

I spent five months in Nepal doing lots of different fun things: an artist residency, volunteering... It was a time of lots of contrasts so it definitely sticks out in my memory as well as the kindness of the people I met.

Favourite TV programme?

A childhood favourite that’s still a go to sometimes would be Survivor.

Favourite radio show?

Mystery Train with John Kelly on LyricFM.

Your signature dish if cooking?

Chilli

Favourite restaurant?

The Church restaurant in Skibbereen, It’s a lovely setting and I have fond memories with lots of different people from time I spent down in Uillinn: West Cork Arts Centre.

Last book you read?

The Nutmegs Curse by Amitav Ghoush.

Best book you read?

I read the science fiction book The Dispossessed by Ursula Le Guin and loved it during the summer, a new favourite for now.

Last album/CD/download you bought?

Djrum, Under Tangled Silence.

Favourite song?

At the moment it’s Golden Hours by Brian Eno and John Cale. A favourite since I was young was I wish I knew how it would feel to be free by Nina Simone.

One person you would like to see in concert?

All of the above.

Do you have a pet?

I have a cat at my house that I found under our hedge about 5 years ago.

Morning person or night owl?

I definitely prefer being a lark when I can manage it!

Your proudest moment?

Being able to care for and be with my dad when he was ill.

Spendthrift or saver?

Oh in between I’d say. I’m not a splurge, but not exactly a saver either.

Name one thing you would improve in your area in which you live?

More green spaces and more affordable homes.

What makes you happy?

Spending time outdoors, playing and spending time doing meaningful work with lovely people.

How would you like to be remembered?

Like a comet.

What else are you up to at the moment?

This show at Triskel (Kate is currently Artist in Residence in Triskel Sample Project Space at the Triskel Arts Centre) has had most of my attention for the past month or so, it’s been a very busy six months. This is the fourth show and the second solo exhibition.

I am looking forward to some fallow period for the summer and some research time.

I am doing an artist residency in the Amazon in Peru in September, so I would like to spend time researching that. I also hope to visit more places in Ireland this summer.