This article is from page 16 of the 2006-04-18 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 16 JPG
YOUNG Ennis artist, Cillian Boyd, has made art history by claiming one of the major prizes in Texaco Children’s Art Competition for the seventh consecutive year.
A 15-year-old transition year student at Gaelcholaiste na Chláir, Cillian was awarded a special merit award for his painting Black Backed Gull. Cillian’s achievement in the competition has seen him pass out the likes of labour TD Ruairí Quinn, who had three victories in his younger years.
“I never really expected to win something this year,” said Cillian. “I thought they would say ‘lets get rid of this fellow, he’s been around too long.’”
Blacked Backed Gull is a reworking of Cillian’s winning painting from last year. This has given Cillian particular satisfaction as it means that he is being rewarded for the technique of his work, rather than the subject matter.
“This year it was all about the style of the painting rather than the subject matter,” he said. “It is nice to be recognised for the style and technique.”
In his first outing in competition in 2000, Cillian won first prize in the 911 Age Group. A keen naturalist and member of Birdwatch Ireland, he is a regular fixture down by the river, where he loves to sketch from life.
Cillian put on his first ever exhibition as part of his transition year work experience in the County Art Gallery earlier this year. The exhibition comprised 15 paintings and a number of sketches, which represented more than six months of work.
He does not see himself following a career in art, however, as he has been bitten by the architecture bug. He did his work experience with Hassett and Leyden’s Architects in Ennis.
“I really enjoyed my work experience there and I think that buildings are very interesting. It would give me a chance to still be creative and artistic in my work,” he said.
Cillian is the son of well-known traditional musician, Geraldine Cotter, and local artist, John Boyd.
“We are so proud of him. It is such a fantastic achievements,” said John.
“When you consider that he is up against children in private schools with lots of finances and more than 600 entries from Clare alone.”
Other Clare children awarded merits in the competition were Christi Olivier and Lucy Carragher from St Anne’s Community College in Killaloe and Moire Murphy from the Mary Immaculate Secondary School in Lisdoonvarna.