Cheryl Bleakley

History of Personal Artistic Practice

My artistic practice has developed across a range of media; particularly in sculpture and painting.  This has freed me to explore new ways of observing and expressing ideas.  I am greatly influenced by my working experience in the clinical environment, at times exploring ideas defined by psychology theory, including Attachment Theory and Psychoanalytic theory.  My recent focus has been on representation of the figure.

My enthusiasm for the arts filtered into various work settings, particularly in mental health and addictions, where I encouraged others to use their creativity as a mode of expression.  

BA (Hons) Art with Psychology – University College Chester 2001

MSc Psychology – University of Essex, Colchester 2002

Engine Room Gallery, Belfast:  (solo exhibition-upcoming, 2008)

Ross Fine Art, Ramelton, Co.Donegal:  (Two-person show, Jan 2008)

2007

Catalyst Arts, Belfast: Contribution to group show

Engine Room Gallery, Belfast:  Summer Exhibition

Nicholas Gallery, Belfast: Summer Exhibition

Ross Fine Art, Ramelton, Co.Donegal:  Summer Exhibition

Nicholas Gallery, Belfast: Three-person show

Arts Care Gallery, Musgrave Park Hospital, Belfast: Artist-in-Residence Exhibition

2006

Ormeau Baths Gallery, Belfast: Royal Ulster Academy exhibition- Selected Artist 

Ross Fine Art, Ramelton, Co.Donegal: Contemporary Irish Art Exhibition

2005

Nicholas Gallery, Belfast: Gallery Artists Exhibition

2004

Belfast: Emerging Irish Artists

The Waiting Room Gallery, Belfast: Three-person show,

1998-2003

Contributed to various exhibitions whilst in living in Chester and Colchester, including Final Degree Show in June 2001.

Awards

2006 ARTS COUNCIL OF NORTHERN IRELAND General Arts Award