Though most people online know me as Aisling D’Art… that’s a pen name. (It’s said “ASH-ling daART.”)
My childhood name was Eileen Morey. I’m a third-generation artist, and I grew up in Belmont, Massachusetts. Then, in my 20s, I moved to Salt Lake City, then to Los Angeles, then to northern California… and more. (So far, I’ve lived in eight American states, and traveled widely in Ireland and the U.K.)
In the mid-1970s and early 80s: Under my real name, I wrote for Professional Quilter magazine, published an irregular zine, “Creating!”, had a wearable art business, was part of the original team at the very first Star Trek conventions, and taught art at Mission:Renaissance in Los Angeles. (Yes, I did a lot more, but I’m sure you get the idea… lol )
In the 1990s: I adopted the Aisling name when few women were online, and it was prudent to use a pseudonym for privacy. (I suppose that it still is.) It was also an effort to reclaim my identity as an artist.
Under that name, I was among the earliest bloggers (in the “Open Pages” webring) when only a handful of us shared our everyday lives and creativity, online. (A psychologist studied us to understand the early blogging community. He concluded that we were more daring and original than most people, but – weirdly – also among the most private.)
Then, when I taught art at Artfest, Art & Soul, Celebrate Art, DragonCon, etc., I used the Aisling name, as well.
Then and now, much of my creativity focused on quirky art… art journaling (a new concept in the 1990s), mixed-media art, zines, wearable art, and the many quirky projects you’ll see at my Aisling.net website.
However, I’ve also created fine art… paintings, wall hangings, and photos, displayed in galleries, often winning awards… as Eileen. That’s what you’ll find at this website.
You may have seen my art in magazines including Family Circle, Lady’s Circle, Professional Quilter, and more… under both names. It varies with the context though – in general – I’ve dodged publicity, especially as “Eileen.” (I’m not an absolute recluse, but I am very conscious of my privacy and my family’s.)
Now, in many ways, 2026 is a fresh beginning. And – while I still avoid the limelight – I want to be bolder with my art and share it more openly.
I’ve lived a very colorful life, and I’m having fun, looking ahead to more fine art (as Eileen) and weird, wildly creative projects (as Aisling)!
You can follow me at Substack: Art and Other Things
Some of my recent art and photography:
Morning at Sohier Park, York, Maine, across from the Nubble Lighthouse
A recent fine art postcard – mixed media collage – sent to a collector.
A photo of a single boat at a dock in Cape Neddick, York, Maine (USA).
