The Lady on The Rock, Dublin

I finally got my hands on a statuette of the Lady on The Rock, and this inspired me some deeper research on the meaning of this ubiquitous statue that is such part of Dublin inner city culture, and here's what I found.

The Lady on the Rock

From Wikipedia:

The Lady On The Rock, also referred to as the White Lady, is a well-known plaster statue commonly seen in the windows of numerous homes in Dublin city. Its popularity has sparked various theories regarding its meaning and significance.

The statue depicts a reclining woman draped in fabric. Initially created as a clay model by artist Harold Gardiner around 1993, it was later cast in fiberglass by Edward Loughman of RPM Supplies. Gardiner had the mold made to gift the statue to friends and family. After Gardiner passed away in 1995, Loughman cleared out Gardiner's workshop at the request of his widow and took the cast of the Lady. Loughman then sold the cast to Vincent Doran of Dublin Mouldings. Since then, the statue has been produced and sold by Dublin Mouldings, a shop and workshop located on Parnell Street.

You can check out their website here, but unfortunately they do not offer online sale or shipping...so give them a visit if you'd like to buy your own: https://www.dublinmouldings.ie/

The statue's popularity has given rise to numerous theories about the Lady's significance. She is most commonly found on the north side of the city and in areas like the Liberties. A home may often display several statues, one in each window.[3] Some suggest that the statue in a window indicates a brothel, the availability of drugs for sale, or that the resident has paid protection money. Others believe she symbolizes Molly Malone. There is also speculation that she might represent the Virgin Mary or Mary Magdalene.

But who's she, like really?

On my quest to buy one of this statuette I got as well to talk to many people, all with a different opinion on who the statue represents: she's a beautiful lady, she reveals the full length of a leg, gracefully bent at the knee. A wrap slips from her shoulders, cascading down her chest and between her upper leg. She gazes out, alluring yet distant, from the windowsills of numerous Dublin homes.

She’s a white plaster statuette often referred to as The Lady on the Rock.

Once you notice her, you'll see her everywhere.

Who is she? Why is she so prevalent in Dublin?

The Lady on the Rock is known by many names. Some call her the White Lady or the Lady in the Window. Some associate her with specific neighborhoods, like the Lady of Cabra or Crumlin, north and south, respectively, of the River Liffey, which divides the city. Others claim her for a broader area: Our Lady of the Northside. Many locals don’t know she has a name, but they recognize her as a phenomenon rarely seen outside Dublin.

A bit of a legend?

The statuette began appearing in the working-class areas of Dublin, such as Cabra and Crumlin, in the late 1990s. As she became more prevalent over the 2000s, so did the legends surrounding her.

One story describes a shipwreck off the west coast of Ireland, where all perished except for a woman who washed ashore, unclothed.

Another tale offers a contemporary maritime narrative: a freighter lost a crate of the statuettes, allegedly mass-produced in China, to the Irish Sea, and they were later sold in discount stores. Catholic imaginations have speculated whether she could represent the Virgin Mary or Mary Magdalene. Or perhaps she is Molly Malone, a 17th-century beauty wrapped in myth, celebrated as a fishmonger but defamed as a courtesan.

The presence of the Lady on the Rock in inner-city working-class neighborhoods has led to some dubious and sarcastic suspicions. Urban legends suggest she serves as a covert signal indicating the availability of drugs or sex at her location. One taxi driver expanded on this idea: only if she is facing the left does it imply drugs can be purchased there. In certain homes, she can be seen on every possible windowsill. The more statues in the windows? Well, that implies more women in the brothel.

However, the Lady on the Rock has much less sensational beginnings, as Jessie Ward O’Sullivan revealed in her 2010 short documentary, The Lady on the Rock. Local artist Harold Gardiner came up with the concept in the early 1990s, with craftsman Edward Loughman assisting in creating her plaster mold. Gardiner sold the statues to a few friends before his death, and she might have been forgotten if Vincent Doran, a professional plasterer, hadn’t purchased her from Loughman while clearing out Gardiner’s workshop.

Doran’s shop, Dublin Mouldings, displays busts of Shakespeare and Elvis next to the Lady on the Rock. Doran and his son create her from silicon fiberglass using a two-piece mold in just a few hours. They tidy up her seams and sell her for 20 quid. Occasionally, a painter will add some color to her. “People enjoy seeing them in the windows. They look good,” Doran comments.

A person buys one, some neighbors fancy their own, others want to fit in, a trend emerges. I visited some houses with Ladies in their windows; all declined to talk, my curiosity, perhaps, seeming as suspect as others have viewed their taste in interior design.

In the 1960s, Dublin saw a similar trend where families placed white horse statues in fanlights above Georgian doors. According to O’Neill, these families were affluent and Protestant. The Lady on the Rock might be the working-class and Irish Catholic response to this trend.

For some, the identity of the Lady on the Rock will ultimately be just that: a trend. “She’s a real-life meme,” says Ruth Keating, who sells O’Neill’s ornaments at a local gallery. “An interesting thread in Dublin’s day-to-day,” but ultimately a short-lived icon.

However, for O’Neill, the Lady on the Rock is “a real symbol of Dublin,” and an appropriate one at that: A simple white plaster mould, reshaped and colored by Dublin’s many stories and identities.

Now, after being so fascinated about the Lady on The Rock statue, I had to give her my personal tribute. As a new Irish citizen, adopted Dubliner, I feel I want to be part of its wonderful culture, so I decided to paint a portrait of the Lady, in oils on canvas.

The Lady on The Rock

You can find the portrait on my webshop: https://www.irishfarmart.com/product-page/the-lady-on-the-rock-dublin

And see the making process on my latest Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tO8Ea4Ddrh0

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The Pros and Cons of Being a Visual Artist on Social Media

Today, I want to share my experience as an artist who primarily uses social media as both a creative outlet and an advertising platform.

In the digital age, social media has become an indispensable tool for artists to showcase their work, engage with audiences, and even make a living. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Pinterest offer visual artists unprecedented access to a global audience. However, like any tool, social media has both its advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of being a visual artist on social media.

Pros of Being a Visual Artist on Social Media

1. Global Exposure

One of the most significant advantages of social media is the ability to reach a global audience. Artists no longer need to rely on galleries or physical exhibitions to gain recognition. A single post can go viral, exposing their work to thousands or even millions of people. Platforms like Instagram are inherently visual, making them ideal for artists to share their portfolios, works-in-progress, or behind-the-scenes content with a broad audience.

2. Direct Engagement with Fans and Collectors

Social media allows artists to connect directly with their followers, fans, and potential buyers. Unlike traditional art marketing, which often involves intermediaries (such as galleries or agents), social media facilitates direct communication. Artists can engage in real-time conversations, receive feedback, and even negotiate sales or commissions without the need for middlemen. This direct interaction can foster a loyal fan base and create a sense of community around the artist’s work.

3. Opportunities for Collaboration

Social media fosters a creative environment where artists can collaborate with other creatives, whether that’s fellow artists, influencers, or brands. These collaborations can open doors to new opportunities, like joint projects, paid partnerships, or exposure to different audiences. By connecting with others in the industry, artists can expand their network and discover new avenues for creativity and income.

4. Increased Visibility for Emerging Artists

Social media offers emerging artists a platform to bypass traditional gatekeepers and showcase their talent on their own terms. Young artists or those with non-traditional career paths can use social media to gain recognition without needing the endorsement of established institutions. Viral posts or featured content can accelerate their careers in ways that were previously impossible.

5. Marketing and Monetization

Artists can use social media as a marketing tool to promote their work, upcoming shows, or special offers. Many platforms allow for direct sales (through integrated e-commerce features or links to personal websites), making it easier to monetize your art. Artists can also leverage brand partnerships, sponsored posts, or even crowdfunding to support their work. In some cases, social media alone can provide a sustainable income stream for an artist.

Cons of Being a Visual Artist on Social Media

1. The Pressure to Constantly Create Content

While social media offers exposure, it also creates a pressure to maintain a consistent online presence. To stay relevant, artists often feel compelled to post frequently, whether that means sharing new artwork, progress updates, personal stories, or behind-the-scenes content. This constant need for content creation can be exhausting and may detract from the time and energy needed for actual artistic practice. The pressure to "perform" online can also lead to burnout.

2. Negative Feedback and Criticism

With visibility comes scrutiny, and social media is rife with anonymous critics who may offer unsolicited or negative feedback. For many artists, dealing with online criticism can be mentally and emotionally taxing. While constructive criticism can be valuable, trolls or overly harsh comments can undermine an artist's confidence and affect their mental well-being. In extreme cases, online harassment or bullying can become a serious issue.

3. The Algorithmic Trap

Most social media platforms rely on algorithms that prioritize content based on engagement, such as likes, shares, and comments. This can create an environment where artists are incentivized to produce content that garners the most likes rather than work that is meaningful or challenging. It can also be frustrating for artists who feel their posts are being suppressed or ignored due to algorithmic changes. The reliance on these algorithms may lead to inconsistent visibility and engagement, making it difficult to predict or control the impact of your work.

4. Oversaturation of Content

Social media is a crowded space, with millions of images being uploaded every day. For emerging artists, standing out amidst this oversaturation can be a challenge. It’s easy for even talented artists to get lost in the noise of competing content. The sheer volume of posts can make it difficult to capture the attention of followers, and gaining substantial engagement may require paid promotions or a sustained, high-output effort.

5. Commercialization of Art

One of the drawbacks of using social media as a tool for marketing and selling art is the pressure to commercialize one’s work. The desire for likes, shares, and sales can push artists to create art that is more commercially viable or "trend-driven" rather than pursuing personal artistic vision. There’s also the risk of becoming overly focused on selling to an audience that may not be interested in the deeper artistic process but rather in content that fits easily into their social media feed.

6. Privacy and Mental Health Risks

Social media often requires artists to share personal details of their lives, whether intentionally or unintentionally. This can lead to a loss of privacy and expose artists to online scrutiny, personal attacks, or the pressure to maintain a curated image. Constant comparisons to other artists can lead to feelings of inadequacy, and the pursuit of social validation through likes and comments can impact an artist’s mental health. Some artists may also feel isolated as they chase online success, losing sight of their real-world connections.

Conclusion: Finding Balance

Being a visual artist on social media has its share of benefits and challenges. The opportunities for exposure, direct engagement, and income are significant, but the pressures to constantly create, the risks of online criticism, and the commercialization of art can detract from the creative process. The key to success on social media is balance. Artists need to be strategic about how they use these platforms, maintaining their artistic integrity while also protecting their mental health and well-being.

Ultimately, social media can be a powerful tool for artists when used mindfully. By focusing on creating meaningful content, engaging with followers in a way that feels authentic, and setting healthy boundaries, artists can make social media work for them without losing sight of their creative goals.