About the artist
Born in Sassari (Italy) and raised in the historic town of Alghero, Irene studied classical and linguistic subjects while nurturing her passion for art in her spare time.
In her 25 years in Alghero, Irene constantly observed and absorbed the town’s distinctive Catalan Gothic architecture, rugged coastal landscape, fishing trade heritage, and overall romantic atmosphere.
At the age of 25, Irene moved to the South of England. Her fascination with British history and culture had grown over the years, alongside a consuming passion for everything dark, gothic, abandoned, forgotten.
For years she had drawn inspiration from Pre-Raphaelite art, contemporary illustrator Victoria Francés, and power and symphonic metal music and lyrics (notably by the Finnish power metal band Sonata Arctica). With its old abbeys and churchyards, ruins, ivy walls, ancient oaks, and mossy rivers, the UK revealed itself as the real and tangible manifestation of the Gothic world Irene had internalised.
In the two years spent living close to nature in the tranquil New Forest countryside, Irene developed a deeper connection with the outdoors, which sparked her interest for folk music and traditional instruments.
Irene embraces a dynamic creative process: fluidity and constant evolution are central to her work. She pursues multiple avenues of expression and continually pushes the boundaries of her craft.
Work and collabs
Irene has run a small art and jewellery business since 2017, through which her pieces have found homes across Italy, the UK, the USA, and in smaller numbers throughout other European countries and Australia.
In recent years, she has collaborated with curated witchy shops (“Anathema” in Bournemouth, “As Above So Below Emporium” in Liverpool), created artwork for independent brewers (“Cold Shelter Brew Co.”, South Wales), been published by magazines (“Witches”), and sold at numerous local craft fairs.
The New Forest, UK
Photography and photo editing by Irene Palmas.