These illustrations hinge on the belief that a 'picture is worth a thousand words'. Each image captures a moment in time through the artist's use of delicate lines and a balanced colour palette, to tackle what are often very weighty themes. Pattern design and symbolism are key elements of the work because they too communicate a part of the message being shared. Each image begins as a 2d manual drawing and ends as a digital illustration.

I'm an artist and illustrator living in an unusual situation in that I have spent the past 4 and a half years recovering from an accident. I'm still a long way off recovery so I am housebound reaching out and connecting with the world through my art. Art has saved me from an inevitable depression, it's something I can still do and I feel I do it well. Art has given me the opportunity to look back at the past 4 years and see a portfolio of hundreds and hundreds of illustrations instead of seeing a hollow and wasted portion of my life.

Ciara Chapman is an artist and illustrator based in Cork city, Ireland. Ciara's educational background is in Fine Art Printmaking and Graphic Design but her first love has always been illustration. Her practice is based in Cork city where she regularly exhibits as well as taking part in a number of online exhibitions and group exhibitions throughout Ireland.