Mythological art which shows seals that can become human on display in Sheffield

Susana North-Bates’ new exhibition of paintings, called Sea Longing, are now on show at Yorkshire Artspace Persistence Works Gallery in the city centre.

Her work depicts the shoreline as a border between us and the mysterious 'Otherworld' of Celtic mythology.

Susana said: “My exhibition mixes her love of the magic of the selkies, which are seals who turn into humans, with visions of the sea and shore.”

Susana has drawn and painted seals since she was studying Gaelic at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig College on the Isle of Skye and on Inishbofin in Ireland.

Her exhibition will be available to view until Sunday, February 2.

Joseph Shaw, of the Royal Northern College of Music, has also composed new music to accompany Susana’s paintings. This will be performed at a free concert to close the exhibition on the afternoon of February 2.

The session encourages participants to turn their drawings into short musical compositions, but no prior musical or artistic experience is required. Musicians are welcome to bring along their own acoustic instruments.

An artist’s talk and a workshop, Drawing in to Music, will also take place during the exhibition run, on Thursday January 16.

To find full details at of the exhibition, visit www.artspace.org.uk. To find out more about Susana and her work, visit www.susananorth-bates.uk.