Her dogs are usually pictured in some sort of landscape, and this too has symbolic value. “It’s a psychological landscape,” she says. “Which represents me. It’s a Beckett-like landscape; we are often alienated from our landscape and domestic animals find themselves in obscure landscapes themselves. I’d like the viewer to be reminded of the place they are in themselves.”

Recently Irene got an acting job for a short while. “Actors are very jolly and it was fun working with them,” she says. “But when I came back to paint in front of a big white empty canvas I realised what hard work it was in comparison. Painting has taken me on an inner journey; it’s very different from what would have happened if I’d carried on acting.”

Irene’s work will be exhibited as part of the Art Room Xmas Show at the Thebes Gallery; she will be one of 20 artists and makers who will be represented. The exhibition forms part of the Art Trail but continues much longer than the other events, until the 10th December. Other artists include Dagmar Eberts, Julie Watson, Carol Butler, Dawn Stacey (the organiser of the show) and David Stacey (who we also feature on page 33) The media represented include paintings, prints, ceramics, glass, wood and textiles. It is doubtful that any aristocracy will be queuing up at the gallery opening, but if you’re after one of Irene Marot’s paintings, we suggest you move pretty fast. AL