Sharing pinhole photography at arts festival on Cork island

Tell us about yourself:

I am a lifelong cycling artist, experimenting in a range of activities and mediums I have maintained a multi disciplinary practice in Cork since 1990 specialising in photography, pinhole, cinematography, time-lapse, sound-works and performance.

I began experimenting with photographic processes whilst at college, making panoramic and pinhole cameras, as well as any medium that I felt suited the message.

I enjoy engaging in collaborations with other artists in all areas, and sharing what I have learned and discovered over the years.

I have been very lucky in Cork and worked as touring production manager for Graffiti Theatre Company, boat building in Meitheal Mara and lecturing photography at St. John’s College.

I am happily married, I love gardening and producing food for the table.

Where were you born?

Zambia, though of course it was called Northern Rhodesia at that stage, and in reality, was a colonial state that did not represent the population of the land. I was very confused until I left and saw it from outside.

Where do you live?

Cork City, in the republic of Cork. First arrived here in 1971, visited frequently and finally settled in 1990.

Family?

Happily married, fabulous daughters and now grandchildren, as well as siblings and their offspring(s) all currently in Australia.

Best friend? 

Too many to itemise.

Earliest childhood memory?

Being confused when my father was asking why I had done something he disapproved of, I tried to understand what “why” meant, it was beyond my reach at that time.

Person you most admire?

My darling wife, and Nelson Mandela.

Person who most irritates you?

Don’t get me started, obviously many of those in Leinster House, and a bit closer to this city too.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

Walking in the Himalayan mountains, the cleanest air I have ever tasted, but also my first time coming to Ireland in 1971, living on Mangerton Mountain, following the path of the moon over the valley - unforgettable.

Favourite TV programme? 

Not a great watcher, though some RTÉ documentaries have been really well made, the last I saw was about Pat Ingoldsby - the people's poet under the hat, and everything, the sounds and visuals were sublime. RTÉ really make beautiful real life documentaries.

Favourite radio show?

John Creedon ticks loads of boxes, Nova by Bernard Clarke, sadly no more was informative and fabulously wide ranging.

Your signature dish if cooking? 

Marinating raw prawns in fresh ginger root and turmeric for a few hours, flash fry and serve hot, alongside asparagus, samphire and Hedemans smoked salmon topped pizza.

Favourite restaurant? 

Fluctuates between Paradiso Cork, Iberian Way and Liberty Grill.

Last book you read? 

How to Build a Boat by Elaine Feeney.

Best book you read? 

Third Policeman, Flan the man.

Last album/CD/download you bought? 

Butterfly Graveyard, by Corkonians, Bredan Cotter and Terrence O’Connell. 

Favourite song? 

Gosh that’s a movable movable…. Possibly Time by Tom Waits, surrealistic lyrics with haunting imagery which almost becomes abstract, giving the listener the room for their own interpretation.

One person you would like to see in concert? 

I did see Joni Mitchell, in 1970 something, and I can’t remember it, so I would love hear her again, she was a very close contender to the last question, Blue was a quintessential album, I have been listening to it for …. over 50 years, and it  hasn't got tired yet.

Do you have a pet? 

A fab cat.

Morning person or night owl? 

I guess I am both, I get up to do my yoga before 7, the morning swim and I am always last to go to bed.

Your proudest moment?

I am not sure that has arrived, I don’t really collect them, but of course the births of my daughters, the acceptance of my marriage proposal, wearing a kilt for my daughter’s wedding to a scotsman.

Spendthrift or saver? 

I am shocking with money, it disappears and online shopping is so seductive, wish I had more control.

Name one thing you would improve in your area in which you live? 

Derelict and empty buildings made liveable to alleviate the housing crises.

What makes you happy? 

My lovely wife.

How would you like to be remembered? 

I can’t imagine a memory of me, I think that I have made some pretty good work as an artist in a wide range of media, but I would rather like to be remembered as someone who cared for those he met, his acquaintances and surrounding company, and everyone really.

What else are you up to at the moment? 

Looking forward to sharing my pinhole photography experiences and journey with the oncoming Bere Island Festival. There are so many things happening there that will allow me to tick off my things to experience list too.

For a full programme see https://www.bereislandartsfestival.ie/