Ian Hill, critic, journalist and travel writer officially launched the exhibition, 'Three Ways of Seeing' last Thursday night.

The Exhibition opening was attended bymany locall people who braved the gale force winds and driving rain to show their support and appreciation o fthe work of a very talented Fermanagh family.

The artists Mavis Thomson and her two daughters Sydney and Marios were praised by Ian Hill who said, "I have always known that Mavis is a very talented artist but I did not know that as well as producing wonderful art, she has produced such a formidable artistic dynasty. This exhibition is a credit to her, her daughters and to Fermanagh."

The exhibition contains over 100 works of art. There are sculptural pieces as well as watercolours, drawings and paintings. There is art to appeal to everyone's taste including representational, abstract and objet trouve.

Councillor Bert Johnson, Vice-Chairman of Fermanagh District Council described the exhibition and artists as:

"A wonderful show of watercolours, drawings, paintings and wood assemblages. It has been made possible through the creativity and commitment of a talented family of artists from Fermanagh – Mavis Thomson and her daughters, Marion and Sydney Thomson. Many of the works here have never been exhibited before."

There is a special free treat for art lovers being held at the Museum on Saturday 16 December entitled 'Mulling it Over With Mavis Thomson'. From 3pm – 4pm Mavis Thomson will deliver a guided tour of the exhibition accompanied by festive treats of mulled wine and mince pies.

Notes to editor:

Interviews with the artists can be arranged on request.

Further images available on request

Normal admission rates apply

MAVIS THOMSON

Mavis Thomson has painted figurative watercolour landscapes showing how Enniskillen has changed since the 1970s. She also exhibits wooden sculptural pieces. Mavis is often inspired by music and she creates sculptural artworks from objects yielded from the sea. Sometimes these artworks are poignant, sometimes humorous - one sculpture is based on the Disney film 'Finding Nemo'. Speaking about her work, Mavis Thomson says:

" I have always enjoyed a great love of the sea, shoreline and beach – although it is only some twelve years ago that I became drawn to the idea of working with driftwood as a medium in my art. The excitement of collecting debris carried by the incoming tide and deposited along the shore soon disclosed an element of expectation and surprise!

I strive for simplicity, truthfulness, and a spiritual quality in my approach, whether in my paintings or in the sculptural pieces in wood. There is an inherent drama in driftwood as an art medium, a knowledge that it has been broken from a larger whole, perhaps touched by tragedy. The 'found' can be more powerful than the 'made'."

MARION THOMSON

In contrast, Marion Thomson's work is more minimalist and abstract; textured and intuitive. She approaches her art in such a way that it requires an intuitive or emotional reaction on behalf of the viewer. Artists such as Giorgio Morandi as well as Fermanagh-raised artist William Scott have inspired her. Speaking about her approach, Marion Thomson says:

"My drawings and paintings relate to the landscape, sky, earth, and ocean. The paintings are intuitive, the image growing out of the paint almost unconsciously allowing the paintings to pick up on their own logic and direction. I enjoy a healthy dialogue with my work in that it's very much a two way thing...it works on me and I work on it."

SYDNEY THOMSON

Sydney Thomson is now based in Leiden in Holland where she runs a conservation studio. She has also worked at the British Museum where she was inspired by many of the Japanese and Chinese collections. Speaking about her art, Sidney says:

"My influences have stemmed from my close involvement with the arts and culture of Japan and China. I've been very fortunate to have worked as a conservator on the Japanese collection at the British Museum and from this I have learned a great deal about Japanese painting. I have studied a very wide range of painting techniques from Zen ink brush painting to the sumptuous use of gold leaf on paintings displayed on six fold screens.

Having lived in Japan and visited many times I have been able to develop a deep appreciation for Japanese design. Often just the simple Japanese things like everyday utensils, such as teapots, pottery and the like are beautifully made and I enjoy using these objects in my still life drawing today. Living in Holland I am now surrounded by bicycles and these too provide some fascinating elements of design to explore!"

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