MEETING
Orla Hilton
Hi..my name is Orla Hilton. I started painting as soon as I could hold a brush. My aunt Mary inspired me to begin oil painting when I was 7 and I have never stopped.
I studied art under Walter Verling, Evan Morrissey and Mike Byrnes in MICEd for three years coming first in my graduating art project. I then went on to finish an MA in 2000. I taught children with special needs up until 3 years ago. I was lucky enough to show paintings at the People’s Exhibition on Stephens Green in Dublin and also to show my work in the Shenandoah Museum in Virginia, US.
Unfortunately, I developed a number of serious health issues that made it very difficult for me to work and I have had to stop working. Very often I am in severe pain and fatigued. I am medically immunosuppressed indefinitely and have been unable to venture out for the past 3.5yrs. However, my love of painting has kept me going. Through illness, depression and times when I was anxious, art has been my saviour.
The painting I have selected for the showcase is one inspired by the Lord of The Rings films. It was painted in oils over 3 weeks and was painted for my sister who is a massive LOTR fan.
If I were to meet myself as a younger person, I would say “keep painting..don’t give up..ever”
I have found it very difficult showing my paintings as I cannot go to gatherings. So Instagram has been great and I recently set up my instagallery.
In my mind, choosing to be an artist doesn’t happen. Art chooses you. It’s like breathing.” This image was taken in 2018
Orla Hilton
ART BOOK
20/4 — 9/9/2023
AT AOD ART GALLERY
MORE INFO AT: artistsofdublin@gmail.com
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