My name is Saoirse Graves (they/them)…
My art focuses on themes of liminality, emotional intelligence, empowerment and gnosis. It is deeply informed by historical reference, #deathpositivity, #sexpositivity, my own #actuallyautistic experience, and a love of all things quiet, melancholy, and macabre. I am passionate about reduction of waste and ethical (preferably local!) sourcing. I use materials that are recycled, second-hand, organic, and procured from independent Irish businesses as much as possible.
I was raised on the East Coast of the United States but I have mostly lived overseas since my late teens. Between early sojourns in Ireland, I lived in England for about 5 years. I now live permanently in Cork, Ireland where I am within easy reach of the sea – happily tangled in rain and flocks of crows.
I am non-binary, specifically xenine/xenogender. I am bisexual/polysexual. I am ethically non-monogamous (but romantically closed). For clarity on these aspects of my art and world-view, see my post on sexual identity below.
Some posts that cover the basics of my history, ethos, and moral standing:
- You Remind me of the Babe (7 Get to Know You Better Questions)
- Sexual Identity, Sexual Expression, & Gender Alignment… + Tarot
- Answering “How is This Witchcraft?”
- Creative Tension & the Myth of Talent
- A Method for Building Otherworlds
- Magic in a Minor Key
Most frequent materials:
- recycled, deadstock, second-hand, or scrap fabric – organic thread – locally sourced plant-dyed materials – locally sourced & organic wool stuffing…
- coloured pencil (wax) – graphite – watercolour – gouache – acrylic
- home-made medieval inks (oak galls – sappanwood – locally sourced mordants etc.)
Bonus tidbits!
- I was a professional archivist and rare books librarian over 10 years in 3 countries.
- I am a classical violinist and lover of early music (Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque)
- I have experience with American old-time trad (fiddle, Appalachian dulcimer, banjo and voice); Irish trad (fiddle, bodhran, tin whistle); as well as a bit of Nordic folk traditions.
- I sew my own clothes by hand or with a hand-crank fiddle-base 12k New Family Model Singer (1888)
I hope you enjoy your time in this artsy space!
#vintagefashionnotvintagevalues #fightfastfashion #slowfashionmovement #slowliving #actuallyautistic #neurodiversity * #deathpositivemovement #artwitch
For the sake of transparency and totally regardless of any potential sales or profit from this art platform, I make personal monthly donations to the following organisations:
- Focus Ireland (support for the homeless and those at risk of homelessness in Ireland)
- ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross)
- Partners in Health (global health and social justice organization that responds to the moral imperative to provide high-quality health care to those who need it most.)
- NAHA (Native American Heritage Association)
- First Nations Development Institute (uplifting & sustaining the lifeways & economies of native communities)
- NQTTCN (National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network)
- Trans Lifeline (grassroots hotline and microgrants 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis.)
- OOTGD (Order of the Good Death – building eco-friendly, meaningful, and equitable end-of-life by providing education, resources, and legislative advocacy.)
