Emigrants hungry for Simone Walsh’s Irish art

FOOD, be it the biscuits our grandmother gave us, the tea our mothers bought, or our favourite summer ice-creams, has a hugely important place in our memories, even more so for emigrants.

Whether it be Tayto crisps, Mikado biscuits or Barry’s tea, food is a connection to home and family, and Irish artist, Simone Walsh, (www.simonewalsh.net), who lived in New Zealand, says her Irish Larder paintings of familiar sweets and biscuits are selling like ‘hot cakes’ with the diaspora abroad.

Her art is now also printed on aprons, shopping bags, tea towels, coasters and mugs — all items that can be easily posted abroad to loved-ones who have emigrated. “We are flat out with orders, but it’s terrific. It’s an honour that people are so enthusiastic about my work,”Simone says.