A Cork artist is selling his work in aid of 'judgement-free and crucial service' Penny Dinners
Emmet Brickley, 27, from the Skehard Road, is running an edition of 25 prints, A4 sized, signed, and numbered on fine art, archival paper as a fundraiser for one of Cork's oldest charities, which is experiencing a huge demand on their services at present.
The original painting, which Emmet will now be selling prints of, is called and was inspired by a poignant photograph taken by The Homeless Street Café in Dublin.
"The source image of the painting was taken by The Homeless Street Café in Dublin of an elderly woman who frequents there.
"Her coat and stripe bag are a nostalgic representation of Irish women you might see in a time before the fluorescent lighting that illuminates our streets.
"For me, the painting is a reminder of those being left behind.
"This elderly woman represents what is meant by the person who 'slips through the cracks'," Emmet told The Echo.
"We can't judge someone's situation by their age or their clothing.
"If someone has a modern phone, it doesn't mean they have a bed at night.
"If someone has a bedroom, it doesn't mean they have the means to eat," he continued.
Emmet said he chose Cork Penny Dinners for the fundraiser as their services are even more vital to people in Cork, given the economic challenges Covid-19 has presented.
"I chose Penny Dinners in Cork as they are providing a judgment-free service and they are going to be crucial for people in Cork coming out of the lockdown.
"There is a shifting threshold for many homes and I hope this highlights the service for those unaware that it really is for everyone in all walks of life," he said.
Emmet, who operates out of his studio in Singer's Corner, has built up a loyal cohort of supporters of his work since graduating from the Crawford College of Art & Design, with a number of sell-out shows.
In March, his exhibition in LHQ Gallery, next to the County Hall Library had to be closed after just a few days as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak.
"I had planned to donate the profit of the sale of that painting [ ] privately, but now that I may not get to show the work again for at least a year or so, I thought the print would be an easier way to increase my modest personal donation," Emmet said.
Explaining how his fundraiser works, he said:
"Simply email me to express interest and I will then confirm that I will send you a signed print when the edition is complete. Then I will ask you to donate €50 directly to Penny Dinners Cork via their website. Reserved at one person per print.
"If there is a greater interest than 25 prints, I will restructure the direct payment so there is some coverage of the printing costs thereafter."
Email emmetbrickleypainting@gmail.com if you are interested or visit https://www.emmetbrickley.com/ to view more of his work.
