My friend Dáire Lynch is an amazing artist; you can see for yourself in the video above (filmed by another friend of mine, John Mulvaney) that gives you just a glimpse of his work and working methods.
Dáire’s currently running a FundIt campaign to support a new project which involves painting portraits of musicians that mean a lot to him. He’s let me in on a couple of the names he’s already lined up, and it’s really gearing up to be something special.
Though he’s already reached his funding target (with seven days to go, as I write) I’m posting this because it’s still a great opportunity for people to get themselves some quality original art or prints for a price that won’t bust your wallet, meanwhile directly supporting the artist.
I’ll let the man himself explain it:
You’ve had a terrible day at work/unemployment office/aimlessly walking the streets after a bad event in your life. You go home, put on your favourite musician/band — it calms you, helps you unwind, gives you solace.
This is the light in the dark.
The same musicians give blood, sweat and tears to create that music, often sacrificing friends, family and monetary stability in the process. It being an integral part of your life, you being a fan and supporter is the light in the dark for them.
The light in the dark is also how I light my subjects for my paintings — a solitary downward light, resulting in strong features and contrasts.
I hope to create a series of 15-20 paintings, with an exhibit the end result, of both Irish and international musicians, musicians who enhance your life with their words, with their musical talents.
I’m looking for your support for the raw materials for this project, as each painting can cost me up to €100 in canvas, paint, brushes. That’s not accounting for time put in — up to 90 hours per painting.
I already have some well known musicians on board for the project and as more join, I shall keep you updated with the artists named, work-in-progress shots of paintings and such.
Painting is my life. I hope to share that with you.
See more on Dáire’s FundIt project page.