Writing
Art vs Design
Art versus design is a term that came i first started using early in my career and something i have used to frame my overall practice. It represents the areas of interest in my creative practice, but also the push and pull dynamic between two disciplines. The influence of design impacting art work and vice versa. A symbiotic relationship, in which the “versus” tag, represents an understanding of the overlaps while being extremely clear on the boundaries between the two.
ANALOG VS DIGITAL
One of the core themes in my creative practice is around the relationship between the Analog and the Digital. And similar to how i represent the intersection of Art vs Design, i see the relationship between these two subjects also as a push/pull, as Analog vs Digital.
Boundaries of Painting
“Boundaries of Painting” is a rather fancy sounding way to describe working within the established parameters of the medium of painting. There is such a storied history in the act of painting that working within the restrictions that exist, is where I think the most interesting work can come from. It doesn’t mean derivatively working of the status quo or established narrative, it means the most valuable innovation will come from working within restricted playing fields.
Troubles
As a young artist growing up “The Troubles” in Northern Ireland were a big influence on my identity and on the identity of the people around me. Naturally as an artist you are looking subjects that inspire and influence you. Subjects that you feel are interesting to work on, but also that you have something worthwhile to say about them. The Troubles was very much that for me. The backdrop of the Troubles was a big part of my formative years and was naturally ingrained into my own personal history. When I began to create artwork about it, it felt organic and aligned.