Today we’d like to introduce you to Deirdre Murphy.
Hi Deirdre, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My father is a scientist so I grew up in his lab, looking at cells in the microscope so bringing art and science together in my practice just made sense. I am a dual career professional as a teacher and professional painter which is a great pairing that keeps research and staying curious as key component to my studio. Teaching at Lehigh University, working with the biology and environmental studies program is a perfect pairing as an environmental activist artist.
DEIRDRE MURPHY
Biography 2025
Deirdre Murphy is a contemporary visual artist whose work delves into the intricate connections between art and ecology. Through the mediums of painting, printmaking, and collaborative sculpture, she explores the effects of the climate crisis on avian migration, nesting structures, and ecosystems. Murphy’s artistic journey has been deeply intertwined with scientific inquiry, leading to collaborations with a diverse array of experts including ornithologists, biologists, neuroscientists, molecular scientists, and climatologist from esteemed institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania, Lehigh University, Washington College and Integral Molecular Laboratory.
Her artistic exploration has been enriched by residencies at renowned institutions including Penn State University’s Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center, Winterthur Museum, Hawk Mountain Bird Sanctuary, Powdermill Nature Reserve, and Drexel University’s Academy of Natural Sciences. Throughout her career, Murphy has received recognition for her innovative work, earning grants and awards from prestigious organizations such as the Pennsylvania Council for the Arts, Percent for the Arts, CORE and Humanities Lab at Lehigh University, and the Leeway Grant. Murphy’s art has been showcased in prominent museums and galleries, including Winterthur Museum, Zillman Art Museum, Palm Springs Museum, Biggs Museum of American Art, New Bedford Museum, Tacoma Art Museum, and the Philadelphia International Airport.
Deirdre Murphy holds an MFA degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a BFA degree from the Kansas City Art Institute. She serves as an Assistant Teaching Professor at Lehigh University in the Art, Architecture and Design department. Her artwork is represented by Chimaera Gallery (Philadelphia) and Susanna Gold Gallery and can be viewed at www.deirdremurphyart.com.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being a visual artist is always challenging from finding time to make artwork while having a full-time job and family, to funding an art studio and supplies, to finding gallery shows, to trying to sell artwork-the hustle is real! But the fufilment of making meaningful artwork and positively effecting change is worth it.
My studio has been varied from a janitors closet (no windows, very small with a door), to a garage (no heat/no AC), basement of my house (no windows/ no natural light) while the kids were young, to shared co-op spaces in old warehouses (buckets to catch the rain water leaks) and residencies. Somehow we artists figure it out and find a way to make our visions come to life.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I paint and make prints about the natural world that needs our help more than ever. Birds know no artificial boundaries and can migrate across country and state lines without repercussions. We humans are just one of Earth’s species that migrates yet we cause so much unnecessary conflict with one another. Currently in Flyways, a public art sculpture for Washington College in Chestertown, MD, I choose to study the Arctic Tern, a slender shore bird that crosses both Northern and Southern Hemispheres every year to migrate to its breeding territory. Many migratory birds navigate via the constellations to find their way, just like sailors thus the use of the Milky Way motif. Arctic Terns travels 25,000 miles per year to lead its peaceful life cycle. We humans can learn from the migratory birds, to open our boundaries to one another, to welcome and embrace all people as part of humankind.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Persistence, showing up to studio even when you don’t have an idea, work makes work, day in and day out- is the most important part of being a successful artist. Critics, shows, selling, reviews can derail one’s drive, comparing yourself to other artists can be dangerous. Listen to your inner voice, create, make, do, grit and hard work in service to telling your unique story-that is key.
Pricing:
- $50 to $6000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.deirdremurphyart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deirdremurphyart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deirdre.murphy.5070/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deirdremurphy2/
- Other: https://aad.lehigh.edu/deirdre-murphy
