Artist designs Christmas card in support of Mayo Roscommon Hospice

WHILE Christmas is a joyful time for so many, it can also be very difficult for others.

The past 20 months have been incredibly challenging for everyone and Castlerea artist Ellen Susan Igoe has launched her 'Spideog' Collection of Christmas cards to give back to her local community in support of Mayo Roscommon Hospice.

We’ve often heard the saying 'Robins appear when loved ones are near' and it was this saying that inspired the Spideog Collection of Christmas cards and poster prints with an iconic image of a robin perched on a branch. You can view and purchase the collection here: https://ellensusanigoeart.com/collections/christmas-2021.

Ellen Susan describes this illustration as being very special to her as the robin can symbolise the presence of loved ones who have passed away.

It was while chatting to her childhood friend Ashley Hayden, who sadly lost her father Christy in 2019, that she was motivated to share this collection. Together the pair choose to support Mayo Roscommon Hospice by donating 50% of all card sales to the hospice to recognise the amazing work they do.

Ellen Susan was mindful in creating this design, which is not only suitable to send at Christmas time, but the greeting can also be blank, allowing these cards to be sent at any time of the year.

Ellen Susan is an established multidisciplinary artist who is best known for her photo-realistic pet and human portraits as well as fine art prints and original paintings. She works with many different mediums often combining several in one piece.

She said: “This Spideog illustration is very special. Its design is quite simple yet it sends a very strong message. I do believe that robins appear when we most need them, a sign that a loved one is close by, and that is what inspired my illustration.

“I also wanted this design to bring comfort to people who are grieving or dealing with loss. I’m delighted to be able to support my local charity. It’s really encouraging to think that my design has already been shipped to various locations throughout Ireland and abroad.

“Personally, I feel there is something lovely about receiving a handwritten card or letter, it reminds others we are always thinking of them.”

In early 2020 Ellen Susan took part in the Herstory Ireland and Stay with Me art show highlighting the mother and baby homes, and in particular the work of Catherine Corless, of whom she created a digital portrait that was projected during a light show on Athlone Castle and at the Jealous Wall at Belvedere House and Gardens.

A pack of six cards is €20 or you can also purchase single cards for €4. Also available is a Spideog A4 print, which can be shipped to anywhere in the world, framed or unframed. Fifty per cent of profits will be donated to Mayo Roscommon Hospice.

If you have a project or commission in mind you would like to discuss with Susan you can contact her via email at ellensusanigoeart@gmail.com. She is also very active over on her Instagram, twitter and Facebook pages @ellensusanigoeart, where you can also contact her and see lots of her previous work.