By Tara Maher
Lee Boyle is a multidisciplinary artist, whose passion for both illustration and textiles has led them to create a unique space in the world of Irish art and design.
Originally from Crosshaven, Lee now calls Dublin home.
While studying for their Leaving Certificate, Lee attended after-school art courses at the Crawford Art Gallery in Cork. This early immersion in the art world provided them with the foundation to apply to the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) in Dublin, where they later earned a first-class BA(Hons) degree in Illustration.
After completing their studies, Lee established their illustration practice in Dublin, working within the creative industry for several years. But their journey didn’t stop there—their artistic pursuits also take them beyond the canvas. Lee, regularly taking to the sea with family, a love that’s tied to their upbringing in Crosshaven and has inspired many creative projects. In addition to their artistic and nautical pursuits, she enjoys reading, practicing yoga, and recently discovered the thrill of rock climbing.
Anam Mara, Lee’s personal brand, is a reflection of their dedication to celebrating Irish culture through art. The name itself—"Anam Mara," which translates to "Spirit of the Sea" in Irish—holds deep significance. It reflects Lee’s personal connection to the landscape of Crosshaven, where the sea was a central part of their life growing up. The name also serves as a tribute to the Irish language, which Lee is a speaker of, making it an essential part of the brand’s identity.
Through Anam Mara, Lee seeks to honour the rich tapestry of Irish history and culture. They’re inspired by the Celtic revival currently taking place, yet they felt that there was a lack of products that represented specific aspects of Irish heritage that interest them, such as Sheela na Gig, ogham, and Irish rock art. With this in mind, Lee created Anam Mara as a platform to showcase these themes in a fresh and accessible way, offering beautiful, high-quality products that anyone can enjoy.
Scarves were the perfect starting point for Lee’s brand. They wanted to create something that was both beautiful and functional—an accessory that anyone, regardless of gender, could wear. Scarves are an ideal canvas for showcasing their intricate illustrations while also being a versatile and timeless item that can be enjoyed by all. By choosing scarves, Lee has made their work more accessible, offering a product that is both distinctive and easy to incorporate into daily life.
While scarves have been the foundation of Anam Mara, Lee has big plans for the future. They are currently working on a new series of hand-painted tote bags, including a playful piece called the "Sheela na Guinness" tote, which features the Sheela na Gig holding a pint. This fusion of ancient Irish symbolism with a modern twist exemplifies Lee’s ability to create contemporary designs that remain rooted in their cultural heritage.
In addition to expanding into accessories, Lee is eager to create one-of-a-kind homeware pieces and develop unique wall hangings and tapestries that incorporate their illustrations. There’s no shortage of creative ideas in their sketchbook, and is looking forward to bringing these concepts to life in the near future.
Lee has found inspiration and camaraderie in a community of fellow Irish creatives. They mention brands like Seeking Judy, Pellador, and Aoife Cawley as some of the others in the Irish design world that they admire. This sense of community is important to Lee, who believes in the power of supporting one another as artists and makers within Ireland’s creative landscape.
As Lee continues to grow their brand, their hopes for the future remain grounded in a desire to keep creating work that resonates with people. “If I can continue making work that people enjoy and continue to support, then I will be very happy,” they say. This commitment to producing meaningful and impactful art is what drives them forward, and it’s clear that the future holds exciting possibilities for both Anam Mara and Lee.
For those eager to follow Lee’s journey and stay updated on new projects, they regularly posts updates on their Instagram account (@leeboyleillustration), where fans can see behind-the-scenes glimpses of their work and creative process. Lee’s scarves are also available for purchase on the Anam Mara website (www.AnamMara.com), where their artistic vision comes to life in every piece.
Through their work, Lee Boyle continues to weave together the threads of Irish heritage, art, and creativity, creating products that are not only beautiful but deeply meaningful. Whether on a scarf, tote bag, or tapestry, Anam Mara is a celebration of the spirit of the sea and the soul of Ireland itself.
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