Now, since the doors of Creative Spark closed in March, she has been concentrating on her own work, as well as reaching out to the print studio members and liaising with other print studios around the country.

For the first few weeks, she admits that like many, she found it hard to concentrate on her work. Then inspired by seeing others create, she began to work on a project which she had started some time earlier.

'I have limited print making supports at home, so I am mostly working digitally on my iPad, doing preparatory work and coming up with ideas, as well as doing some lino cuts,' she explains.

'The work is all about exploring altered landscapes and about the calming effect which the sea has on people.'

She had already started researching the concept of the 'Blue Mind', in which marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols, points to the scientific evidence that being close to bodies of water promotes mental health and happiness.

'I had started looking at it a couple of months and go and have been delving into it now as it ties in with what is happening now' she says.

Living in town, she says she had been 'imagining the ocean and looking at photos, getting her fix of the sea by walking to The Quay.

She welcomes the extension of the 2km exercise zone to 5km as it means she can now cycle out to Blackrock.

As she explores the patterns of the tides, she says the creative process is good at keeping thoughts of the COVID-19 crisis at bay.

'I try to draw every day to keep creative and keep my mind off everything else.'

Alongside her own work, Grainne is busy keeping in contact with the other staff at Creative Spark and members of the print studio, having lots of virtual meetings via ZOOM.

'We are offering on-line courses and different studio members take over the Creative Spark Instagram account for a few days,' she says.

'Every Friday we promote the work of former artists in residence and we are also looking for people to apply for print residencies later in the year.'

There are exciting plans for the building of a FAB Lab beside the existing Creative Spark building with the print studio relocating into the new build. Construction is not due to start until later this year, so hopefully the project won't be delayed.

The studio is also part of Print Network Ireland, a network of print studios around the country which are working to promote one and other as they prepare for re-opening later this summer. They are also marking National Drawing Day on Saturday with a virtual workshop.

Grainne is also a member and secretary of the Art As Exchange (AAEX) collective which operates out of Creative Spark.

'It's very strange just meeting up with everyone through ZOOM and communicating through WhatsApp,' she ays.

The group has been busy supporting fellow member Niamh O'Connor's campaign 'Grasp The Arts' which asks creatives to grasp a lump of clay or other material and to post an image of the resulting shape on social media. 

Grainne has shown her work in group exhibitions with the print studio and AAEX,and is now in the process of setting up an on-line store on her website www.grainemurphyart.com