Artist puts on first exhibition for 14 years

Katrina Bass is set to display 30 of her pieces in Ramsey

A local artist is set to display her works for the first time in 14 years at a venue in the north of the Isle of Man.

Thirty works by Katrina Bass, including a range of oil-painted Manx landscapes, are on display at the free exhibition at Quayle's Hall in Ramsey this weekend.

The artist has credited joining a cold water swimming group with giving her the "confidence" to display her works after the break, which she said was down to poor mental health.

Joining the Manx Bluetits for regular swims had also been "marvellous" for physical health concerns, which had prevented her from "painting like I used to", she said.

The designs include landscapes of Niarbyl, Port Jack, Laxey and Port Skillion, one of Ms Bass's favourite spots for sea swimming.

The artist, who has lived on the Isle of Man since 1976, has previously had artwork shown at the Manx Museum and a piece entitled The Cascade can be seen on display at Noble's Hospital.

A set of five sculptures called the Buckie Pots, recognising the island's fishing heritage, are also situated on South Quay in Douglas.

One of the pieces depicts Port Skillion in Douglas, which is a popular sea swimming spot

Ms Bass said she had been dealing with poor mental health alongside a range of physical health concerns since 2010, which had affected her ability to host regular public art events.

Last year she starting joining sea dips, organised by the swimming group, and found that "not only are you laughing and having fun, there's a really good support network".

She said: "When you're not well you hit rock bottom.

"The Bluetits saying 'you can do this' gave me the motivation for the exhibition."

"I hope it proves to people with long-term health issues that anything is possible with the right support."

The exhibition is open between 10:00 and 15:30 BST on Saturday and Sunday.