Latest news with #BelfastMetropolitanCollege
Irish Independent
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
‘The paintings come alive': How Co Down artist's unconventional painting method is mesmerising TikTok
Kathryn Callaghan created a portrait in honour of the Holywood star completing golf's grand slam earlier this year with victory at the Masters — and her unique technique is earning her thousands of views on TikTok. Instead of using a paintbrush or a palette knife, Kathryn pours an inky mixture directly onto the canvas from a height, something she picked up almost by accident in college and has since made her own. While retaining poise and control as the ink falls into place, there is inevitably indiscriminate splatter as the liquid meets the canvas. Kathryn says: 'It might seem strange, but this technique allows me to work fast and gesturally, freeing me from the constraints of a sub-sketch. Gravity has as much to do with the process as anything. 'There is energy harnessed as the ink falls from bottle to the surface and just enough of an element of losing control to allow the ink to make its own unplanned marks. 'The paintings come alive from this raw beauty and the real energy that is injected into each piece.' In 2009, Kathryn returned to education at Belfast Metropolitan College to study fine art, and it was here that she embraced the pouring technique. She adds: 'Someone had donated some art supplies to the college, and I was rummaging through the box to see what was in there. 'I decided to pour some ink onto wax paper to try to create a painting of a damselfly. 'When I took the painting to my tutor, she immediately recognised it as a damselfly and, since then, after some experimenting to ensure the right consistency, I have been using this technique.' ADVERTISEMENT Kathryn's love of golf courses was the catalyst for one of her recent roles as a judge for Tourism Northern Ireland's art competition for primary and secondary pupils. The young people were encouraged to come up with original artworks that represent what the people and places of Northern Ireland mean to them, and how they want their home to be seen by global golf fans. Kathryn was joined on the judging panel by Naomi Waite, Tourism NI's director of marketing, Fran Porter, arts and cultural facilities officer with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, and Miller Cornelius, brand manager at The R&A. The winning designs will be on public display in Belfast and Portrush and used as part of Tourism NI's welcome for visitors to the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush later this month. Kathryn said it was a privilege to be able to judge the competition, with the quality of the entries consistently excellent. She says: 'There was so much talent. It was clear that the young people put their heart and soul into the competition and the standard was outstanding. 'The creativity was incredible and what stood out was that the entries were a real celebration of Northern Ireland, representing all that is great about this place. 'Displaying the winning artwork will be a lovely way to welcome visitors to the 153rd Open, while the competition has helped stir a real interest in the event with young people.' Kathryn has also just completed a series of works celebrating Northern Ireland's rich golfing heritage which will be on display at The Bushmills Inn throughout July as The Open takes place at Royal Portrush. The series of 13 paintings features scenes from Royal Portrush, Royal Belfast, Royal County Down, Ardglass and other courses. In addition, the six winning artworks from the Tourism NI competition will be on display to showcase the tremendous talent of our young people and excitement for the return of The Open. Kathryn says: 'I would have loved to be a golfer, I've taken several lessons, but I have had to accept that my talents lie elsewhere. 'Travelling to the courses throughout last winter was a brilliant experience. 'There was always someone there to give you a warm welcome and explain what was special about each place. For me, it was about trying to capture the essence of each course — that's what I want to put onto the page when I am pouring. 'I want people to be able to look at the painting and be able to close their eyes and feel transported to that place. We have so many stunning courses, especially our links courses. They are just beautiful places to be and visitors coming here for the first time just can't believe what special places they are. 'For example, when you think of Royal Portrush, it's that mix of the wild ocean and seagrass set against the contrast of the manicured greens. 'Golf courses in Northern Ireland are like a basket of treats for visitors; you can select a different world-class venue to play every day and you aren't travelling for hours to get there — they are all in close proximity.' Northern Ireland has provided the inspiration for a number of Kathryn's works and last summer she launched the Kathryn Callaghan NI Art Trail which encouraged fans of her work to travel to various locations to view the original pieces. The paintings included scenes from Bloody Bridge just outside Newcastle, the Mournes from Murlough, Strangford village, Bangor Pier, the Glens of Antrim, Ballintoy Harbour, Causeway Rocks and White Rocks from Magheracross Viewpoint, West Strand, Portrush and Benone Strand. Kathryn adds: 'From memories of childhood holidays to inspiration for adventures to come, the paintings encouraged people to get out and embrace Northern Ireland's giant spirit.'
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Apprentices at risk of redundancy at electric boat firm
High-profile manufacturing start-up Artemis Technologies has ended its apprenticeship scheme, putting 14 apprentices at risk of redundancy. The Belfast-based firm is developing zero carbon emission electrically propelled boats. It said the decision to end the apprenticeship scheme had not been made lightly and reflected the challenges common to new businesses. "We underestimated the level of resources required to provide our apprentices with the development and training they truly deserve," a spokesperson said. "It would be unfair to continue without being able to support them fully." The apprenticeships were being delivered in partnership with Belfast Metropolitan College, which will now try to find alternative placements for them. Three additional staff members are also at risk of redundancy as part of a review of the company's operations. "This restructuring ensures that we can focus on our mission and create future opportunities," the spokesperson said. "We are deeply committed to supporting those affected during this transition and express our gratitude to our entire team for their professionalism and resilience at this challenging time." Artemis' major project is the development of a zero carbon emissions ferry which is currently expected to be operational later in 2025.. Bangor-Belfast commuter pilot ferry launch delayed
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Apprentices at risk of redundancy at electric boat firm
High-profile manufacturing start-up Artemis Technologies has ended its apprenticeship scheme, putting 14 apprentices at risk of redundancy. The Belfast-based firm is developing zero carbon emission electrically propelled boats. It said the decision to end the apprenticeship scheme had not been made lightly and reflected the challenges common to new businesses. "We underestimated the level of resources required to provide our apprentices with the development and training they truly deserve," a spokesperson said. "It would be unfair to continue without being able to support them fully." The apprenticeships were being delivered in partnership with Belfast Metropolitan College, which will now try to find alternative placements for them. Three additional staff members are also at risk of redundancy as part of a review of the company's operations. "This restructuring ensures that we can focus on our mission and create future opportunities," the spokesperson said. "We are deeply committed to supporting those affected during this transition and express our gratitude to our entire team for their professionalism and resilience at this challenging time." Artemis' major project is the development of a zero carbon emissions ferry which is currently expected to be operational later in 2025.. Bangor-Belfast commuter pilot ferry launch delayed
BBC News
01-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Belfast: Apprentice roles at risk at Artemis as scheme ends
High-profile manufacturing start-up Artemis Technologies has ended its apprenticeship scheme, putting 14 apprentices at risk of Belfast-based firm is developing zero carbon emission electrically propelled said the decision to end the apprenticeship scheme had not been made lightly and reflected the challenges common to new businesses."We underestimated the level of resources required to provide our apprentices with the development and training they truly deserve," a spokesperson said. "It would be unfair to continue without being able to support them fully."The apprenticeships were being delivered in partnership with Belfast Metropolitan College, which will now try to find alternative placements for additional staff members are also at risk of redundancy as part of a review of the company's operations."This restructuring ensures that we can focus on our mission and create future opportunities," the spokesperson said. "We are deeply committed to supporting those affected during this transition and express our gratitude to our entire team for their professionalism and resilience at this challenging time."Artemis' major project is the development of a zero carbon emissions ferry which is currently expected to be operational later in 2025..
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Yahoo
Tropical parakeets ruffle feathers at Belfast park
Amateur wildlife photographers have been flocking to a north Belfast park to spot a tropical new arrival. Bedecked with emerald green feathers and a rose-red beak, the ring-neck parakeets have become the star attraction at the Waterworks Park. Originally from the Himalayas, the Indian sub-continent, and parts of Africa, ring-necked parakeets are regularly spotted across the UK, with large populations in London and the south-east of England. It's estimated that about 15 of these parrots have found a new home in the foothills of Cavehill. The RSPB describes ring-necked parakeets, sometimes known as rose-ringed parakeets, as the UK's only naturalised parrot. Dot Blakely, a bird expert who teaches bird-watching courses at Belfast Metropolitan College and Queen's University Belfast (QUB), said she brings students to the park to study the new residents. "The parakeets are likely to have come over from London," she said. "It's likely they moved across to the Republic of Ireland before moving up." "We're seeing more birds come across because of climate change, so many birds that we wouldn't have seen here before. "People still think of it as a tropical bird but it has adapted." Ms Blakely told BBC News NI she thinks there are about 13 to15 parakeets living in the park, which indicates they are getting enough food to sustain a small colony and are likely to be breeding. "There are lots of berries around the area, but lots of locals are leaving seed out for them," she added. "Sometimes you'll see the birds right up at people's windows waiting to get fed." The brightly coloured birds have been attracting amateur photographers to the park. Sharon Gregg, who took up photography after being diagnosed with a rare illness, told BBC News NI spending time in nature and watching the birds has had a positive effect on her wellbeing. "When I first heard about the birds last month I would say: 'I'm away to look for the parrots.' "People would think I was mad," she said. Ms Gregg has photographed eight parakeets in one sitting before. "I think the parakeets are such wonderful, special little birds and a lot of people don't even realise they are in the trees up above them," she said. "They are really comical, cheeky wee things, and they are just a pleasure to watch." Michael Latham, from Bangor, is a keen twitcher, someone who goes to extraordinary lengths to see new bird species. He has travelled to the area to see the birds a number of times over the past few years. "The number has grown a bit over the last while," he said. "There have been reports of breeding, but we think there is only one male." There has been a longstanding rumour that rock legend Jimi Hendrix is responsible for the parakeets coming to the UK. The guitarist supposedly released a pair of the birds into the wild while living in Carnaby Street in London in the1960s. There have also been rumours that the birds escaped across the country during the wrap party for the 1951 film The African Queen starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn. However, a study published in the Journal of Zoology quashed these rumours. It suggests that the birds establishment is more likely to be a consequence of repeated releases and introductions. As for why they have moved from London across the UK, Ornithologist Professor Emily Shepherd said: "Urban and suburban parks are their typical environment, so as soon as one area becomes too over-populated or competitive they seem to fly around in search of somewhere else which looks quite similar. "They thrive in urban and suburban environments. They need people nearby who will either discard or deliberately leave out food for them," she said. "They are big, tough birds, who are quite capable of bullying even jackdaws and crows out of the way of feeders, and in areas with plentiful food supplies they can survive sub-zero temperatures if they can put on enough winter fat." Parakeets are a non-native bird so they are classed as an invasive species. Conor McKinney, the chair of Wild Belfast said: "Parakeets may seem like a novel addition to our wildlife, but really they are pose a great risk to birds, bats, and to agriculture. "Parakeets have the ability to out-compete native cavity nesting species, such as starlings, and have even been known to evict bats from their roosts," he said. "Preventing the further dispersal of this species is possible, but it needs to happen soon. "We call on Belfast City Council and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency to return the birds to captivity and negate any potential risks of further spread." Hendrix in the clear over parakeet fever 'Most northerly' parrots cause flap in park Parakeets: nature's great invaders
