the Art at Railway Cottage
"The interior of Railway Cottage is a combination of traditional Irish antiques and modern design. It is very important for us to give the cottage a distinctive character. Therefore, the art that you will find is a variety of real art of local and international artists and designers who stand in relation to Railway Cottage. In this categrory we introduce their art in profiles.
Every year in June there is the K-Fest art festival in Killorglin and we love to go there every day and we buy art from these amazing artist we all get to know in person. For that time we also have an "artist in residence", click here for more information."
Markus Ehrhard and Frank Jäger, the owners of Railway Cottage in Glenbeigh.
the artists:
Struan Bell
Struan Bell from Galway exhibited at the K-Fest in Killorglin in June 2022 for the first time. His immaculate presentation at the art show cought immediately the attention of Markus.
"Struan reminds me o lot of myself. A phobic type, but completely fearless. He has a very fine feeling for shapes and proportions. I just had to be one of his first customers and bought this sculpture which shows a very modern aesthetic of its own." Markus Ehrhard
Instagram: @struanbellartist
Pauline Bewick
Irish artist Pauline Bewick painted this scenery of the Natterjack Toad in characteristic environment for the Coummunity Council of Glenbeigh in 2010. The waves framing this limited edition print represent the ocean waves at neighboured Rossbeigh Beach. Also you find the neolithic stones and the typical birch trees, that represent Glenbeigh, or Gleann Beithe, the glen of the birch trees.
Pauline Bewick was one of the most acclaimed Irish artists, living in Glenbeigh and had become an integral part of Irelands cultural legacy. Pauline died in July 2022 in the age of 86 years.
Clare Blackwell
Clare is a printmaker and artist from Limerick who now lives in Dublin. She created the signature poster for K-Fest 2023. As a collectable special she printed only 15 hand made posters and Markus was very happy to get number 2.
"In the last years there was always a certain mood and that creative atmosphere, but this year there was a spirit at the festival in Killorglin. And when I now see this image with these fresh and bright colors from Clare, I get immediatley into that spirit again. Here and there is a hint of shimmering gold on the print that reminds me to wear golden shoes to K-Fest!" Markus Ehrhard
Caleb Butterly
Calebs main sujet is nude painting and drawing. He is a very energetic and powerfull artist. The male nude study is typical for this dynamic.
Frank and Markus met him at the K-Fest 2022 in Killorglin and bought this oil painting on canvas at the day of their 25th anniversary.
Instagram: @caleb.butterly.art
Lorcan exhibited at K-Fest 2022 for the first time. He presented the Humunculus, a very disturbing latex covered statute of a human like person, found in the canals of Dublin. In August 2023 Lorcan has his first solo show in Dublin. Lorcan was artist in residence for K-Fest 2024 at Railway Cottage.
"I love the weirdness and quirkyness about Lorcan's work first. His symbols do remind me on something, but I can't tell. He doesn't know either, so he kind of "draws in tongue", which I find very interesting. But going deeper, he delivers great messages . To break it down, like "sugar is the monster of our society". I grew up with the Haribo sweets he draws and I still don't like them. For a reason, obviously." Markus Ehrhard
Instagram: @areyoualright_lorcan_art
Irish ceramic artist Darren Francis Cassidy is based in Ardgroom on the neighboured Beara Peninsula. Darren and his wife Joanne are friends of Markus and Frank. You better not let Darren and Markus go in their wellies to the beach, they will get carried away and have too many things to find.
From vases to sculptures, from wall pools to tiles, Darren does offer a huge range of objects that remind you of a seen before animal, yet appear alien.
In the kitchen of Railway Cottage we placed a huge unique bowl Darren made. You have to have a closer look at the edge of this bowl: it is covered in little spikes that Darren each sets perfectly by hand.
Cara is a young artist living in Galway and Potsdam, Germany. K-Fest 2022 in Killorglin was the first platform for her and Markus became her very first client. She developed a technique by painting on an Ipad and getting these drawings perfectly printed.
In 2023 Cara was the artist in residence at Railway Cottage for the K-Fest.
"Young artists have so much to say and to show. Cara truely opens new perspectives and views. She is a vibrant female artist where I am sure to expect a lot more in the near future!" Markus Ehrhard
Instagram: @clearly_clearyart
Philippe Devaud
Philippe Devaud and his wife Ute did stay at Railway Cottage in July 2019. Philippe, who was the first art teacher of Markus Ehrhard, did visit the Kerry area as a young man, travelling on its own for the first time.
Philippe Devaud is a recommended artist who is famous not only for dipping his unique paper. His classic painting technique is extremely close to a photography. His drawing line is very precise and accurate.
For the Railway Cottage Philippe Devaud painted a watercolor and a pencil drawing. Another distinctive mark of his talent are the added insides of some interiors displayed at the cottage.
www.artofdevaud.com
Markus Ehrhard
The shown crab claw is one of eight displayed large marker drawings by Markus Ehrhard. Markus designs the jewelry collection Ornito and he is also an author of books about art and an artist since he exhibited at K-Fest 2024 for the very first time.
After exciting years as a designer working for international brands like Escada, Birkenstock or Philip Treacy in London, Markus now finds inspiration in nature of Ireland.
In 2022 Markus published the fourth book about historic diamonds and the art of reproduction, which is in the library section of Railway Cottage.
www.ornito.com
Instagram: markus_ehrhard
It was in a museum's shop in Berlin, where Markus bought the first resin vases made by Michal Fargo. Today Michal is based in Berlin and known for her extremely structured and colorful ceramics.
"It are these outstanding structures and shapes, that triggers me. In addition Michal has a great sense for colour, who are very intense. The two green vases remind me on the moss in our forrest." Markus Ehrhard
Dave is an outstanding artist from Tralee and he designed the signature K-Fest poster for 2024. The artist presented his abstract paintings next to Markus's corner at Boyles Hardware Hall and he created this one of a kind Épreuve d'artiste of this poster for Markus and Frank.
"It was very fascinating observing Dave in the process of overpainting his print. He created a new image just by adding vibrant colors, shapes and a cut-out, but he still kept the character of the original. He is a Zeitgeist artist!" Markus Ehrhard
Instagram: @davfortune
Julianne Guinee was on K-Fest art show in 2022 at Boyles Hardware Hall in Killorglin and Frank and Markus bought two of her oil paintings. The "Marigolds" and the "Tractor".
Her painting technique is masterclass. Not only her art is outstanding and immediately recognizable, she is also a charismatic personality.
After exhibiting three times in a row, Julianne Guinee did not exhibit at K-Fest 2024, where Markus did his first appearance as an artist. While hanging his drawings at Boyles Hardware Hall he found the label from Julianne with the red dot from "The Tractor" on that same wall. If that wasn't a sign?
James Hayes
Markus briefly spoke to James's father at K-Fest 2021 and thought that these were just enlarged photo prints and took no further attention...a big mistake... James then won the Screaming Pope Award. These were not photos, they are oil paintings.
Full of shame and devotion Markus spoke to James at K-Fest 2022 and now is a huge admirerer of his art and wears also James's cool T-Shirts. More to come soon.
Klick here for more information:
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Matthew Hayes is from Killorglin. Ceramic designer Anne McBride introduced both at K-Fest 2021.
"I am a big fan of Matthew's art. He has a very expressive and unique style. It is direct and in the face! When in Killorglin everyone should go to Francis Sheahans Pub. Matthew created a mural there and it is something very new. You will see it immediately when you walk in. His work gives that traditional place a very modern character." Markus Ehrhard
Instagram: @matthayeslsad
How to put Niamh into words? That is nearly impossible. This women can everything from drawing and painting, from composing to singing and performing. An all around creative talent!
"Niamh's work causes always attention. I saw her first at K-Fest 2021 where she presented large paintings in bright colours. One I remember in particular, it was a portrait of a woman holding topless a microphone towards her breasts and the nipples were singing mouths. Niamh is crazy, but in a very charming way. I love Niamh, she is wonderful and always surprising." Markus Ehrhard
Helga Jäger
Helga Jäger, mother of Frank Jäger, is an autodidact artist, who now lives next to Frankfurt in Germany.
In her active time, she mainly painted landscape motifs in acrylic on cardboard. Her three displayed pictures at Railway Cottage show a scene with a fly fisherman (it is supposed to be her son-in-law Markus Ehrhard), a deep-sea fisherman on a beach and a tree in a misty landscape.
Helga's style is expressive, her favorite artist is Vincent van Gogh. She painted a lot in Palm Coast, Florida, had certain exhibitions in the USA and Germany, and was 1997 Best-of-Show of the Art League Florida.
Bonnie is known for very fine porcellan sculptures. Based in Dublin she creates as a true Master in Ceramics. At K-Fest 2024 she had her gallery in the candy shop, next to Mary's Antiques.
"When I saw Bonnies fine porcellan sculptures, I couldn't decide, I loved them all. I then bought one of her ambiguous sculptures for the cottage and a hairy egg for my collection in Germany. I have to admit, I am big fan of her creations." Markus Ehrhard
Oisín Kelly
The displayed Puffin was created by Irish artist Oisín Kelly, when he worked at the Kilkenny Design Workshops from 1964 as a Design Co-Ordinator. There is a number of birds he moulded, which got reproduced in the pottery department and got hand-painted by Marie Hennessy.
Oisín Kelly (1915-1981) was an influencial Irish artist, who was at the class of Henry Moore at the Chelsea Polytechnic in 1947.
Markus is collecting sculptures from Oisín and is in contact to his son, Fergus Kelly.
Vincent is a very talented and passionate artist from Galway with many facettes. He works in a range from Irish landscapes in the idea of impressionism to a contemporary style where he paints sceneries in facetted fragments. Markus first met Vincent at K-Fest 2023 and was more than happy to share the space at Boyles Hardware with him at K-Fest 2024.
"I couldn't have had a better neighbour than Vincent. Boyles Hardware is a demanding room and brings out your inner demons when creating your space. We both had our moments and we helped each other. Vincent is a master in certain painting tecniques, and a full-blood artist with a full voice presenting his outstanding passion for art." Markus Ehrhard
Instagram: @vkelly139
Darragh Kinch is very well known in Ireland for his prints, because he finds intersection with art and design.
Darragh made this poster for the Irish cult band "The Love Buzz", Markus' favorite live band, in a limited edition. It is a very beautiful example of what print is capable to start, a print gives identification. Darragh not only signed this poster as the creator, the guys from the band signed it for Markus too.
Darragh Kinch is also the Creative Director and Art Curator for K-Fest 2024.
Minutes before the official opening of K-Fest 2024 Markus bought this sculpture in porcellan from Amy. It is a sea sponge soaked in porcellan mass and then burned in a kiln.
"Despite the fact that this fine and delictae sculpture was a natural object, Amy's hand made it into a solid and strong sculpture. I find that extremely fascinating." Markus Ehrhard
Instagram: @amykramerartist
Rochelle is an eclectic artist from Killorglin. She paints in many techniques and differents genres like landscapes or portraits. She graduated 2012 with BA Honours in Fine Art Painting at Limerick School of Art and Design. Rochelle took part in certain group shows and presented her paintings in two solo shows in Limerick and in Killorglin.
As art director of the K-Fest in Killorglin, she is very busy in organizing this amazing art show once a year in June. In wintertime Rochelle is managing a pop-up art gallery in Killorglin. There also two portraits of Rochelle in the collection.
Beside an original timber of the Sunbeam, a sailing ship that wrecked January 1903 at Rossbeigh Beach, a very impressive photography of the Sunbeam by Riona MacMonagle welcomes you at the first floor of Railway Cottage.
Riona is the only photographer that is displayed at Railway Cottage.
Markus saw Tetiana on the Friday, before the opening of K-Fest 2024, sitting in front of the pharmacy and drawing this amazing water colour. Later Markus visited her gallery and he saw the final drawing.
"Ok, at first view this is a nice perspective drawing of Killorglin technically very well implemented. But looking closer, Tetiana corrects her drawing line in the moment of the drawing process. She leaves white surfaces white and creates a specific light and this certain momentum. She draws very quick. Tetiana's special talent is to catch the exact moment of the scenery." Markus Ehrhard
Instagram: @m.t.i.art
Conor is a young artist from Ballaghadereen, Dublin. He is focused on wild life in form of still life, landscapes and portraits.
"Conor is a great example of what K-Fest is about: To give emerging artists a platform. He exhibited in St. Michaels church and I have to say, this venue is the best place to present paintings. You have an amazing light in this long room and Connor's painting where is best light." Markus Ehrhard
Instagram: @conoroconnellart
Patrick O'Connor
Patrick is a local artist living in Glenbeigh. He studied mathematics and is very intrerested in the history and construction of buildings. He has an enormous knowledge and it is always a pleasure having a conversation with him.
He is specialized in drawing cottages and landscapes oil on canvas plate and watercolor. Have a stop before the Carragh River Bridge, when you come from Killorglin. He is selling his art at the viewpoint beside the road.
It was their dogs, Vicki's Lilly and Markus' Alvis, who made the frist contact at K-Fest 2024. Alvis was yodelling for Lilly and he entertained not only her, he entertained the whole Boyles Hardware Hall. Vicki's work is about wild flowers and nature photography.
"I loved the White Harebells at first view. Vicki has a great talent to calm down the image of plants to an essential expression. Same with her Lilly, she is the most relaxed and kind dog I have ever met. In the middle of busyness, she can sleep or is just not impressed by everyone walking by." Markus Ehrhard
Instagram: @vickiodonnellart
Eoghan O'Kelly
At the K-Fest in June 2022 in Killorglin, Markus ran into the performance of young artist Eoghan O'Kelly and documentated the event for him by making photos and videos. Eoghan knitted and knot himself into a sculpture with the name "Self Construction".
"As a qualified fashion designer I always have an eye on textiles. So his performance cought my attention and fascination. I met Eoghan as a shy guy, but he emerged in his one hour performance to an impressive artist providing intense impressions. Despite the fact, he meshed himself with all sorts of yarns, he grew. Eoghan was so kind to sign this large print for us." Markus Ehrhard
Instagram: @eoghanokellyart
Kate Plum is an artist from Tralee. She is specialized in painting birds in all their filigree. At K-Fest 2024 Markus finally caught her attention.
"There are bird paintings and there are bird paintings by Kate Plum. A documentary photo does not emphasize the uniqueness of diversity of a single species in the same way as a painting. And Kate has exactly this talent to focus on it. I wish she would create a second "Brehms Tierleben" ("Brehm's Animal Life"), she certainly has the potential to do that." Markus Ehrhard
Daniel Sexton
In June 2023 artist Daniel Sexton exhibited at K-Fest in Killorglin and even before the opening of the art festival, Markus already bought one of his portraits.
"When I walked into Boyles Hall, there was such an energy and vibrance on that venue. Daniels paintings were the strongest. After a short and very intense conversation with him, I experienced what art is all about. Daniels portraits, like "Off the head", ask questions, force a new appreciation for the humanity and the complexities of a particular person. Daniel is a true master in painting! It did not surprise me, that his work is also in the collection of the Saatchi Gallery in London." Markus Ehrhard
Naoise Sheridan
Markus met artist Naoise Sheridan at the Kfest 2021 in Killorglin. Immediately he got cought by the art of her paintings, so he bought nine tiny and colorful nudes.
"Naoise is a very smart and talented artist. She does amazing graphics and she has a great sense for colours, so her paintings are very vibrant." Markus Ehrhard
On May the 4th 2024 at the ScFiFilm Festival in Portmagee Markus met Niall O'Shea, who is a multi media designer. For the Railway Cottage Markus bought a 3d-print of Skellig Michael made by Niall.
"At first view I saw an interesting sculpture! But then Niall explained, someone said it looks like a mashed potato. It is a unique protype in this colour. But once you know, and you know by now, it is Skellig Michael, you see a very detailed print of Skellig Michael!" Markus Ehrhard.
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Tazz Soffer
At first Markus and Tazz talked about their beards and sneakers at K-Fest 2023. Tazz's art is exceptional and a very own genre of phantasy and monsters.
For some of his prints he offers 3d glasses to see his work threedimensional. Tazz is a local artist who lives between Glenbeigh and Killorglin.
Hat designer Philip Treacy works and lives in London. But he is Irish, he grew up next to Galway. Markus Ehrhard was Treacy's design assistant from 2000 to 2003. From this time there is an original pencil sketch of Philip Treacy displayed at Railway Cottage. A few lines simply show what hats are about: Phantasy.
They begin as hand sketches which are then developed into original artwork in form of retro travel posters.
Markus met Paula from Tripster 2018 in Dingle and became an instant fan of the posters from the area, especially from Rossbeigh Beach in Glenbeigh. The displayed image shows the wreck of the stranded Sunbeam, which unfortunately disappeared after hurricane Ophelia 2018.
Rachel Varden is an Irish contemporary artist with a vibrant combination of painting and drawing, colours and patterns, figurative representations and hidden symbols.
"When I visited K-Fest in 2021, in my opinion, Rachels paintings were best of show. I was immediately in love with the "Payback Monkey". Her ductus is very quick and dauntless. The only thing was, that her paintings were to big for the Railway Cottage collection. But at K-Fest 2023 she came up with smaller formates and here we go. Beside the fact, that Rachel is a constantly evolving artist, she is a very warm and grateful personality." Markus Ehrhard
When it comes to intense structures and colorful patinas on ceramics, there is only one to name: Adele Walsh from Dublin. No wonder she received the Sustainability Award at K-Fest 2024.
"Adele's little bird has a very special place at Railway Cottage. I selected the one with the brightest summer colours. So I placed this sculpture on a very special spot on the wall that leads from the ground floor to first floor. He will be in full sunlight only in the time around the 21st of June. At this time his amazing patina shines in the most intense natural colours. By far Adele's creature has the largest space in the cottage, but it is worth it." Markus Ehrhard
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The Oscar awarded movie "Ryan's daughter" was filmed at sets on Dingle Peninsula, especially on Inch Beach opposite of Rossbeigh Beach. Till today this movie is of influence and has an impact on Kerry, because of its authentic and moving story.
An original MGM press photo, signed by the three of the main characters played by Sarah Miles, Trevor Howard and Robert Mitchum is displayed at Railway Cottage, as well as a signed photo of actor John Mills, who won the Oscar for "best supporting actor" in his role of the Michael. You also find the DVD of "Ryan's daughter" in our movie collection...in case it rains...bare in mind, the movie is 3h27min.
The area of Iveragh and Dingle Peninsula is also known for being film sets of international movies, like for Star Wars - The Force Awakens in 2015. Luke Skywalker did hide in the first Jedi-Temple at planet Ahch-To. Rey found him with the help of R2-D2 and gave Luke his lasersword back. These scenes were filmed at Skellig Michael Island and a complete temple was build at the cliffs next to Ballydavid on Dingle Peninsula.
At the Bridge Bar in Portmagee Mark Hamill in person drew a beer. A mecca for enthusiasts of Star Wars.
The force is strong in this area. On May the 4th there is a big Star Wars Festival in Portmagee not only for kids, but also for Markus, who collects the action figures ever since. No wonder a Stromtrooper protects Railway Cottage and you find all films in the library.