Ella Kavanagh was born in Clonmel, where she continues to live and paint. Having graduated with a Bachelor of Education Degree in 1982 she continued her passion for drawing and painting, continuously expanding her skills.  Working only from real objects in her environs, Ella creates perfectly composed still lifes as well as using models for drawings of the nude.

"I seek out things I connect with, daily objects that carry personal meaning and memory from me.  It all began with Aunt Maggie's enamelled milk jug.  We all have an Aunt Maggie, so we can identify with the old enamel jugs, the pots and pans, the curios and homely things, each with a memory.  For me still life is about a relationship with these objects.  I love the integrity of a bowl of flour or an old milk bottle.  In an uncertain world, such satisfying certainties, give us both pleasure and comfort.  My interest is to understand the long-held artistic principles of composition, colour, drawing and painting.  My guide has been John Baptist Chardin 1699 to 1779.”

Traditional paintings such as Ella’s still lifes will always find a place in the heart of art lovers. Ella has exhibited widely both in Ireland and abroad.  Her work is held in many public and private collections in Spain, Germany, Italy, France, Austria, the UK and USA.

Ella Kavanagh has also completed numerous residencies in Cill Rialag, Co. Kerry

Solo Exhibitions      Clonmel Gallery                                          1993 - 1995

                                                Ganggaleria der Stadwerke, Austria    1997

                                                Okarina Gallery, Bled, Slovenia             1998

                                                Wexford Opera Festival                          1998 - 1999

                                                Department of Education, Dublin              1999

                                                Ionad na Muineiori, Portlaoise                 1999

                                                South  Tipp Arts Centre                           2000

                                                Origin Gallery, Dublin                             2002

                                                The Milcove Gallery, Kenmare                 2006

                                                The Narrow Space Gallery, Clonmel         2006 / 2009

Collections Include Department of Education, Ireland

                                                Trofiach Council, Austria

                                                Rabobank, New York

                                                University College Cork

                                                European Disability Forum, Ireland - President Mary McAleaese

                                                Raheen House, Clonmel

                                                Tara Oil Ireland

                                                Clannad

                                                Paolo Tuillio