Person to Person: I love to go into my studio at 6.30am and paint... before the craziness of the day begins

TELL us about yourself; I came back into the art scene about five years ago, I did study art back in the day but never saw it as a career.

I’ve always had a love of art since I was five or six years old. I remember my parents buying me paints and going on to win art prizes in primary school.

In my 20s, I created street art for nightclubs and personal projects.

Nowadays, I paint abstract landscapes inspired by the Irish coastlines in Cork and Kerry.

I use mixed media to achieve my goals - sometimes they are happy accidents, sometimes inspiration, but the finished paintings all mean a lot to me.

I’m honoured when someone decides to buy any of my artwork and I truly hope they enjoy it as much as I did creating it.

Where were you born?

I was born in London but raised in Ireland since the age of two. I’m a proud Corkman

Where do you live?

Carrigaline - great location close to the city and beaches.

Family?

Married to my beautiful wife Karen and we have two teenage sons, Aaron and Joshua.

Best friend?

I have a large circle of friends but he knows who he is!

Earliest childhood memory?

First day of school - terrified, but looking back now my school days were some of the best days. Where I met my life-long friends.

Person you most admire?

My dad - he has and will do anything for his family.

Person who most irritates you?

Myself - I’m human and flawed so I try to accept we all make mistakes and once they are not harmful to others - I tell myself to learn from them.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

Our honeymoon in Thailand, it was a different world - maybe the first holiday where I truly detached from everyday stresses.

Favourite TV programme?

I’d like to say something modern, but Only Fools And Horses makes me laugh every time.

Favourite radio show?

Off The ball (Newstalk), great for sport in-sights and interviews.

Your signature dish if cooking?

Steak and kale.

Favourite restaurant?

Blackrock Castle restaurant.

Last book you read?

In-Transit by Magne Furuholmen.

Best book you read?

Roy Keane - The Second Half (love or hate him, he is a legend).

Last album/CD/download you bought?

The last album I purchased was a friend’s. He goes by the name Corrugated Tunnel, he has a dance floor filler called Remedy for the Soul.

Favourite song?

Take On Me by A-Ha, the ’80s music video had ground-breaking animation - but I also love the 2021 re-release.

One person you would like to see in concert?

A band call White Lies.

Do you have a pet?

Yes, I love dogs and we have a beautiful King Charles spaniel called Koco.

Morning person or night owl?

Morning. I love to go into my studio at 6.30am and paint - that’s me time. Before the craziness of the day begins.

Your proudest moment?

The birth of my two sons. Those moments change you.

Spendthrift or saver?

Saver, my wife makes up for me on the spending.

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

More public artworks / murals.

What makes you happy?

Spending quality time with my close friends and family.

How would you like to be remembered?

I would be simply happy to be remembered, I think that is the measure if you have made a difference to the people in our lives.

What else are you up to at the moment?

My focus right now is on getting ready for the upcoming art fair Art Source which is coming to Cork City Hall from October 6 to 8. It’s really exciting to be getting this opportunity to display my work - particularly with so many other incredibly talented artists.

In addition, I’m trying to learn how to play any musical instrument - I’ll start with the triangle

MORE ABOUT ART SOURCE

Art Source runs at Cork City Hall from October 6 to 8. The event showcases a wide spectrum of artistic styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary, ensuring a diverse experience for all attendees.

The event will feature an extensive range of artworks, including still life, wildlife, landscape, seascape art, metal and marble sculpture, street art, contemporary art, and more ensuring a high-quality and eclectic selection. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with artists directly, gaining insights into their creative process and inspirations.

In addition to the spectacular array of art on display, Art Source introduces an opportunity for art collectors and enthusiasts alike – the “100 For A €100” initiative; Art Source 2023 invites each participating artist to create one original piece of artwork, to be sold exclusively at Art Source for just €100. 

This presents a unique chance for visitors to acquire specially commissioned artwork from some of Ireland’s most renowned and talented artists at an incredibly affordable price.

As each participating artist will have only one piece available for €100, these artworks are in limited supply. Once they’re gone, they’re gone!

To purchase tickets and learn more about Art Source Cork 2023, visit www.artsource.ie Follow Art Source on social media for the latest updates:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/artsourcecork

Instagram: @artsourcecork