My Weekend: 'We try to balance the need to sit at a table vs being on our feet'

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your work?

I grew up in Blackrock, I went to the Crawford Art College, travelled for a bit after, before settling in Cork again and married my girlfriend of 10 years.

I’m an artist who works from a home studio and I use oil on canvas. My work centers around emotional responses more so than conceptual, or heavily representational concerns. What fascinates me most are the unguarded, in-between moments we experience.

Typically, paintings are not made for anyone in particular, which makes it interesting to experience those who are struck by it. You get a bit of a connection to people if they get something from a piece and it’s a real privilege. My work is not for everyone, but I’m grateful I naturally fell into a style that’s my own.

My wife is currently doing her PhD in architecture with a focus on social innovation and the built environment, so there's always conversations between us or events we can go to that motivate my practice.

What is your ideal way to spend a Friday night? 

I usually enjoy heading out to friends for a few drinks in the city or maybe stretch the legs if there’s a good gig on. We try to balance the need to sit at a table in a pub vs being on our feet as best we can. Hitting that age where it’s more often the sitting!

Lie ins or up with the lark.. which is it for you?

I’ve started to appreciate the longer day by starting early(ish).

Does work creep into your weekend at all?

When it does, it’s usually a case of being glued to the canvas, so it’s really enjoyable. I can take a weekday off if that’s the case though and sometimes that works better to maintain a flow of work if it feels like something needs to be done in that moment, which can turn into losing a day to it.

Is there some place you like to head to recharge the batteries? 

We’re very lucky in Cork, there’s always somewhere within a reasonable distance that has a nice walkway or beach. I have a one-year-old dog who needs two walks a day which helps to get us out in all weather. We enjoy the beach as our dog loves water, so I’m looking forward to swimming with her properly as she’ll be old enough to now.

Do you get to indulge any hobbies? Even as a spectator?

I have a few I maintain. I tried five-aside football for the first time last year. The other players were really sound, but I couldn’t handle being below their levels after a few months of it. Such a steep learning curve after a certain point with guys who’ve kicked the ball around forever. New Year's resolution is to return to it though as they always need numbers. No harm in having the ego take a beating!

We have so many places to eat out in Cork - where are your go to spots for coffee/ lunch/ special meal?

Plugd Cafe is an institution for the Cork music scene, they have lovely live gigs in the evenings, as well as great coffee and cakes during the day. It’s a great atmosphere.

There’s a new Happy Days cafe opened up the road from me in Ballinlough that I need to try. Some familiar friendly faces from other spots went out on their own so great to see them doing so well.

Goldie's is lovely to have all the sides as a tasting menu.

I went to the Glass Curtain recently for the first time and it was great.

Sunday night comes around too fast.. how do you normally spend it?

Probably the typical planning the week ahead, often well-fed from seeing family for dinner that day.

Anything else you are up to right now...

I'm in a group show with fellow Sample Studio artists Joseph Heffernan and Siobhan Collins. It’s on at the Lord Mayor’s Pavilion in Fitzgerald’s Park until February 22.

I’m starting into a new series of paintings now that will keep me going until the summer. I’ve a mailing list on my website that people can sign-up to for any updates.

Website: emmetbrickley.com 

Instagram: emmet_brickley