Artist’s Statement
My studio practice is fueled by a naturalist impulse, echoing the spirit of early environmentalists like Bartram and Audubon. Rooted in their legacy, I merge art making with scientific inquiry, weaving together threads of observation, environmental consciousness, and artistic exploration.
In my paintings, prints, sculpture, and public art, I approach each piece with the curiosity of a naturalist, delving beyond the surface to uncover hidden connections within the natural world, be that on a molecular level or pastoral. Central to my practice is the recognition of our environment's vulnerability and the urgency of the climate crisis. I aim to underscore the timeless relevance of our ecology and nature conservation in the anthropocene.
I believe in the transformative power of art and the act of looking with sensorial awareness. Ultimately, my goal is to create an open conduit between art and science, offering a unique perspective that celebrates the wonders of the natural world while advocating for its preservation.
Biography
Deirdre Murphy is a contemporary visual artist whose work delves into the intricate connections between art and science. Through the mediums of painting, printmaking, and collaborative sculpture, she explores the effects of the climate crisis on avian migration, nesting structures, and ecosystems. Murphy's artistic journey has been deeply intertwined with scientific inquiry, leading to collaborations with a diverse array of experts including ornithologists, biologists, neuroscientists, molecular scientists, and climatologist from esteemed institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania, Lehigh University, Washington College and Integral Molecular Laboratory.
Her artistic exploration has been enriched by residencies at renowned institutions including Penn State University's Shaver's Creek Environmental Center, Winterthur Museum, Hawk Mountain Bird Sanctuary, Powdermill Nature Reserve, and Drexel University's Academy of Natural Sciences. Throughout her career, Murphy has received recognition for her innovative work, earning grants and awards from prestigious organizations such as the Pennsylvania Council for the Arts, Percent for the Arts, CORE and Humanities Lab at Lehigh University, and the Leeway Grant. Murphy's art has been showcased in prominent museums and galleries, including Winterthur Museum, Zillman Art Museum, Palm Springs Museum, Biggs Museum of American Art, New Bedford Museum, Tacoma Art Museum, and the Philadelphia International Airport.
Deirdre Murphy holds an MFA degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a BFA degree from the Kansas City Art Institute. She serves as an Assistant Teaching Professor at Lehigh University in the Art, Architecture and Design department. Her artwork is represented by Chimaera Gallery (Philadelphia) and Susanna Gold Gallery and can be viewed at www.deirdremurphyart.com.