Gallxit

So that’s the end of my solo show in Harold’s Cross. Feeling very wistful today -I liked being in the space and having friends and randomers strolling in, talking about art, Brexit and football.
A fellow artist arrived in last night to collect something from me just before I closed and as I talked, I could feel the energy draining from me (nothing to do with him!) it’s just that as it finished, all my alertness and tension fell away. By tomorrow I’ll be comatose!

So it’ll be on to the next project. La Galerie Impromptu will pop up again, next time as a community event. I’m writing a proposal to Culture Night to host a 6 Pack exhibition https://www.facebook.com/6PackCommunityProject/ 

Hopefully, the space won’t have been occupied by then -but there are no guarantees. In the pics I took over the week or so, I felt that the gallery looked just right in that spot. It had a kind of Continental look to it, tucked away in that corner; un petit coin du paradis
What do you think all of you out there in Dublin6land? Please ‘LIKE’ the 6 Pack project FB page at the above link.

The Peacock Guitar

 Joe and Steve Wall (The Walls and formerly of The Stunning) dropped in to see my exhibition in la Galerie Impromptu, Harold’s Cross and to play the Peacock Guitar.

 I received the unadorned guitar about eight months ago from Chris Maher of The Musical Youth Foundation and although I began work on it almost immediately, I ran into a couple of difficulties, mostly at the finishing end (there’s nothing clear about lacquer!) However, I eventually made it through.

 I made a short video recording the process by which I decorated it -and then the lads give it a blast of, ‘Are you Lonesome Tonight’ at the end.

For anybody who likes to paint; I used Golden Artist Colours ‘Fluid’ paint to keep the strokes flat but still intense. In the Golden range are also some iridescent paints which were ideal for some of the bright plumage. The edges and other gold areas are gilded.

 You can still see this artwork at la Galerie Impromptu until Sunday June 26, when the gallery closes and reverts to a disused laundry. The proceeds from the sale of this guitar will go to the Musical Youth Foundation who provide access to an education in music for ALL children in Ireland.

Flights of Fancy: An Exhibition of Paintings. Harold’s Cross. June 16-26

If you would like to collaborate in this show, please visit my Fundit.ie Campaign page to see what rewards I’m offering!


La Galerie Impromptu (286c Harold’s Cross Road -right beside The Brick House Café). 

Opening at 6.30pm Thursday June 16. By invitation only. Exhibition runs until June 26.


About the exhibition 


Each year, I hold an exhibition that is completely independent of the gallery system to focus on exploring what’s essential in my work, free of external pressures. This is my annual Special Show where you can see me as I am. 
This time, It’s going to be a popup gallery! The owner of Rosie O’Grady’s bar in Harold’s Cross has very generously offered out one of his adjacent units; a shop that fronts onto the main street. It will be over this unit that I will hang the ‘La Galerie Impromptu banner.


As an artist, I’m not only interested in the imaginative and conceptual nature of my art; I’m dedicated to the craft side too. For me they’re indivisible. I have always wanted to create things with mind AND my hands. My influences are broad: Hopper, definitely; classical painters for their level of craft but also the surrealists. More strongly though, by so-called Pop Culture. I just love great illustration work. The imagination and highly accomplished artistry.

So this is my one-man Cultural Event. These are my Flights of Fancy. This is my own personal Milan and Paris fashion show.


The work in this show is an eclectic mix  -works completed in the last year or so. Although there’s no common theme, one thing that re-occurs is that of flight. Flying racing fish; dirigible cricketers; gilded birds and flighty notions.


So, feathered friends; I’m offering you the opportunity to become an integral part of this show: Proceeds from this crowd-funding campaign will cover the costs of framing, refreshments for the opening and talks, publicity and printing of a catalogue and other printed material. In return, my flock, I shall reserve a special place for you in my heart and in the lush pastures, fragrant forests and cool mountains of this benevolent and expanding land, AND what’s more you’ll even receive something real, that you can hold in your hands änd hang on your wall, in return. Please look at the schedule of the rewards that await supporters and patrons of the arts below. Take wing, citizens! For when we flock together, we are strong!

If you would like to collaborate in this show, please visit my Fundit.ie Campaign page to see what rewards I’m offering!

Below some examples of work to be included:

The Unsolveable Conundrum. Gilded Acrylics on canvas. 20″ x 16″ 

Cousin Peregrine’s Lament. Acrylics on canvas. 8″ x 10″

The Terenure Dirigibles. Acrylics on canvas. 14″ x 16″

The Rule of Thirds. Acrylics on canvas. 14″ x 24″

Group Show, Harold’s Cross

Lorcan Walshe (Artist), Cllr Mary Freehill, Kevin McSherry (Artist), Anne Corrigan (Festival Committee), Eoin MacLochlainn (Artist & Curator of Exhibition)

Harold’s Cross Festival continues to be a success and to grow each year, thanks to the boundless energy of many local people; this year, artist Eoin MacLochlainn organized a small exhibition of local artists in the Victorian Tea Rooms at Mount Jerome. I was delighted to be involved.

Opened by Councillor Mary Freehil. More pictures on the festival web site.