Mary Toland is inspired by the many wonderful characters and vistas of her locale, her portraits, landscapes and fabric work embody the spirit of North Donegal. This collection of portraits is based on recognising ordinary people who are “Custodians” in one form or other.

It is the unique character of the landscape and people of Donegal that inspire her work. Nestled in this elemental landscape are small communities of hill farmers, fishermen, musicians, visual artists, poets & dreamers.

Born and brought up in Clonmany, Inishowen, Mary has lived on Arranmore Island and now lives and works In Gortahork. Surrounded by the Derryveagh Mountains and facing the wild atlantic coast and Islands, this elemental landscape and its people are the primary inspiration for her work.