Bio

Paddy Lamb grew up in the city of Armagh, Northern Ireland. He was educated at Armagh Royal School and at Trinity College, Dublin, where he studied modern history. After moving to Canada in 1985 he completed a graduate degree in physical education at the University of Alberta. His subsequent work as an athlete, coach, sports administrator, historian and archivist have all influenced his present career. Since the completion of a Certificate of Fine Arts in 2001 Paddy has worked solely as an artist. He has exhibited in various galleries in Edmonton, Vancouver and Ireland.

I consider myself both a victim and a benefactor of my education and background. I take inspiration from a variety of sources, including an abiding interest in cultural heritage, history, sport and athleticism, and the influence of memory. Together they reflect on the belief that natural and instinctive gestures have a lot to say about the human condition.

All of this takes place within the context of landscape. The process often begins with a series of drawings and paintings created on location or as a direct result of some significant encounter. It continues through a more automatic response to line, form and colour in the studio. Gestural drawing features heavily as the work develops into larger works on mylar and canvas.

While these often bear little physical resemblance to the original location, there has always been something more at stake for me. My cultural background and continuing relationship with Ireland and my place in Alberta, often compete for space. Whether it is the prairies or, more recently, stretches of northwest Ireland, the subject matter reflects a strong desire for a spiritual connection with landscape and image.


EXHIBITIONS

October 2009
Ballinglen
Fringe Gallery
Edmonton

May 2007
Bull's Mouth, Barking Rock
Extension Centre Gallery
Edmonton

September 2005
Recurring Forms
Lambert’s Gallery Vancouver

June 2005
All About Emain
Marketplace Theatre & Arts Centre
Armagh, Northern Ireland

October 2004
Pieces of Existence
Harcourt House Gallery, Edmonton

January 2004
unfinished verse
Fringe Gallery, Edmonton

May 2003
Landed Immigrant
Upstairs Gallery, Edmonton

May 2002
New Works
Queens University Belfast
Armagh Campus

November 2001
Salvete Valete
Extension Centre Gallery
University of Alberta

Group Shows (selected)

July 2008
Water & Carbon
Profiles Public Art Gallery
St. Albert

May-June 2008
Made in the West
arthouse, Calgary
Works Art & Design Festival, Edmonton

April 2008
Two Artists Two Visions
Horst Doll & Paddy Lamb
Urban Roots Salon & Gallery

November 2005
Surfacing
Profiles Public Gallery, St. Albert

March 2004
Bringing Art Home
Armagh City Hotel
Armagh, Northern Ireland

2002 – 2004
Pulse:Northern Alberta Drawing Show
Public galleries throughout Alberta

Curatorial

July 2004
New Territories
Curated by Paddy Lamb & Jim Davies
The Works Art & Design Festival

Public Collections

Alberta Foundation for the Arts
Ballinglen Arts Foundation, Ballycastle, Co. Mayo
Strathcona County Permanent Art Collection

EDUCATION & TRAINING

1981-1985
BA Hon.
Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland

1986-1989
MA
University of Alberta

1998-2001
Certificate of Fine Arts
University of Alberta Faculty of Extension

1999-2002
Summer Arts Series
Red Deer College

2002 -2003
Advanced Painting Workshops
River Rock Studio
Prof. Ernest Velardi

SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS

1999
Constance McFarland Scholarship

Awarded to students enrolled in the University of Alberta, Faculty of Extension CFA Program on the recommendation of instructors.

2000
Constance McFarland Scholarship

2001
Harry Wohlfarth Scholarship
Awarded to outstanding students in the Faculty of Extension who have demonstrated excellence in the visual arts.

2009
Fellowship, The Ballinglen Arts Foundation, Ballcastle, Co. Mayo, Ireland


PROFESSIONAL/VOCATIONAL MEMBERSHIP

CARFAC