K A T E   D O L A N

“Offering is a series about kindness. The inspiration came from travelling through Europe, where I found myself completely drawn into the myths of ancient Greece. At the Acropolis, I saw intricate carvings and figurines that must have taken days to make, simply left as gifts for the gods. Offerings, freely given. That really stayed with me.The series began with studies & linen pieces, painted in a secret garden in a tiny village in rural France, using motifs of the objects I’d come across. Just as I imagined it was in ancient Greece, everyone in the village came together and looked out for each other. It was a real community, and something we’ve lost in a lot of places. We’re scrolling, rushing past each other. Some live in complete abundance, others are left with nothing, and it can feel like it’s all take, take, take. We’re asking our phones for the advice we’d once have called a friend for. There’s something a bit sad in that. I wanted these paintings to hold on to what I found in that village, and in those ancient objects. That’s the thread running through Offering. Each title comes from Greek mythology. Hidden in every painting are quiet stories: taking care of each other, thinking differently, giving freely. Small offerings, made with nothing wanted in return.”