Working and Creating Art in times of Covid
Creativity during the Covid Crisis
Life goes on they say. And it is true, life does go on. Sometimes not life as we know it but life does go on.
Interruption
We can now see that Covid 19 has been the great disruptor of life in 2020 and has changed the face of the way we live. Plans have been changed or thwarted, livelihoods have been put on hold and personal agendas have been skewed. For example, one has to feel empathy for couples who had been planning 2020 weddings for the past few years who, if allowed to hold the wedding at all, must reduce attendees dramatically along with hosting a socially distanced shell of a ceremony, which has only a passing resemblance to what their original event was to be. But of course all of this all pales in to comparison knowing that there are families who have lost loved ones to this disease.
PIGSY Plans
For me, I had planned a much earlier move to Spain to paint fulltime. I originally intended to be fully moved by the end of March however lockdown in Dublin put paid to that plan and I eventually was able to travel and move out to Malaga by the end of July.
Additionally I had a showing planned in Los Angeles in April 2020. That also came to an end with the advent of Covid. Unbelievably at the beginning of March I was still under the illusion that this would take place. It took time to realise that Covid was going to interrupt most plans and there was not going to be live art showings for sometime.
Every October for the past 5 years I’ve held a large solo PIGSY exhibition or event. This year not so. Again it is all thanks to Covid. But as I said at the top, life goes on. I’ve already been approached with a proposal for a showing in February 2021 here in Malaga in Spain and so I will begin to work towards that. I’ve also been really busy doing loads of other arty and creative work (particularly in regards to the business end of things). Life goes on and the art business does too!
Archiving Art Success
The business end of being an artist is definitely not as fun as the creative part but it is crucial. Over the years I’ve created and amassed a large amount of art (I paint fast!) in many different formats including sculptures and 2D works. Archiving all of these pieces is so important and it is something that you need to commit a lot of time to. Now that I am working full time as an artist I have the time to give over to archiving my work and am bringing my archive fully up to date. Coupled with the fact that I am now working more so therefore creating more work so again this reiterates how important it is to stay on top of this element of work.
Art Website Work
Again this is more of the business end of being a professional artist but in this evermore globalised and connected world it is so important for artists to have an up to date website which showcases their work. I started to redesign my website back in March when Ireland went in to lockdown. Now I am working on adding and updating content (blogs, video and artwork) along with setting up the PIGSY merchandise store and also doing some work on SEO etc.
Art Studio Time
Of course the biggest thing that a professional artist needs to do is work in the studio in order to create a body of work. It can sometimes be hard to fit that in here in Malaga with everything that is going on and all of the other work that needs to be done. Also on top of all of this I am learning to speak Spanish so I need to do work on that too!
But days are long here. I found that working the 9 to 5 is probably not the best thing. Here days start early with businesses opening early and then closing for a long lunch and then reopening in the late afternoon and staying open much later than back home in Ireland.
We have got in to a nice groove of going for an early coffee and then doing some business work with me heading to the studio from about 3pm until 8pm. And then we eat dinner about 9pm which is a big change from back in Ireland where we ate dinner much much earlier.
With my studio only being a short 5 minute walk from my apartment it all works out nicely and I get to paint and create loads. Within a very short time when I arrived, I was feeling reenergized and invigorated and have been making some awesome pieces - the light helps a lot!
Art Exhibition Planning
I’m always aiming towards my next exhibition and now having a date in early 2021 for the next PIGSY showing I have plenty of work to do. As well as creating a body of work for the exhibition there is all tof he incidentals additional to an event that needs to be planned. My last large scale event was the PIGSY Art & film Screening in Fitzwilliam. I always like to think about extra details for my events and at this event I created a signature cocktail “The Pigtail” which was enjoyed by all of my guests along with extra special canapes created by the club chef. Watch this space to see what I come up with for February 2021!!
Art Marketing and Promotion
I’ve been working on my PIGSY art brand for many years now and luckily there is huge brand awareness in regards to my art. This is essential at all times but definitely more so in a time like this. My style and brand is extremely distinctive and very recognizable. I have built a large following of collectors of my work over the past few years and they appreciate hugely what I do and will want to see what I am up to and what I next produce. I am so very grateful to all of them and love sharing my work with them. I also love to introduce my work to those who are not familiar with the art work of PIGSY - it is through my brand that I can do this during these times of Covid.
PIGSY Art Merchandise
I have been designing a range of “art wear” products featuring my art over the past few months. It was something that I wanted to do for a long time as I’ve always thought that many of my edgier artworks would work really well on T-Shirts but also because I have been asked by so many people if I would print my artwork on to merchandise. Well I always aim to please, particularly for fans of my work, so I launched a collection of PIGSY art products quietly last week on my website and it is great to see them selling now. The enamel outdoor cups, in particular, are proving to be very popular! If we weren’t living with Covid I would have been able to hold a large scale launch party similar to some of my past exhibition openings with a DJ and cocktails and a large crowd invited to a live showing of the “art wear” pieces in the collection. But for now a virtual launch did the trick with the t-shirts, bags and mugs available to buy by contacting me in order to make a special order.
Keep going and stay positive
As I started out saying in this blog, life goes on. As we can see Covid has brought great disruption but it has also brought positive changes. Families have got to spend more time with each other, we have learnt to bake bread and we have looked out for and helped each other.
Stay strong and keep going
This will end and we will prevail. Let’s support each other, shop local and support the arts (it’s never been more important for us to create at this time) and remember Art always Helps!
"Sitting" by PIGSY
“Sitting” by PIGSY
Sitting in the same sit in the kitchen
took a hierarchy
Full Fridge
Come home make a ham, cheese,
lettuce, tomato and coleslaw roll,
Fresh bread from Clarke’s.
I sit in the same sit.
So did she.
Nicole King interview with PIGSY for Marbella Now
Marbella Now : Nicole King interviews PIGSY
Hosted by Nicole King, “Marbella Now” is the go to TV show on Marbella Radio & TV to find out about everything that is happening on the Spanish Costa de Sol.
Given my recent move from Ireland to Malaga, I was delighted to be invited to be a guest on Nicole’s show to talk all about my art.
The interview was filmed last week in Marbella and broadcast today.
It was fun to see behind the scenes of a TV station and how it all works - Enid my manager (and wife) especially enjoyed seeing all of the workings and was very happy to be allowed to watch the interview being filmed backstage. She even got a selfie at the end with myself and TV show host Nicole King.
Behind the scenes pics
Super TV Staff
All of the TV studio staff were so welcoming and professional, from the back room staff that I had been emailing leading up to the interview, to the amazing Anna Scott from The Makeup Room, studio staff on the day and of course the lovely Nicole King! Thanks also to Sam and Anita.
Talking Art
It was great to see Pigsy artworks on the screen while I talk during the interview. You can also see I wore my new Fontaines DC t-shirt that Enid’s mother kindly sent over to me from Ireland - it looks cool on the TV screen ;-)
All in all a fun day out with a pleasant journey from Malaga to Marbella. I always enjoy chatting about my art and I hope you all enjoy watching the interview!
Studio Visit
If you are in Malaga make sure and get in contact and visit me in my studio to see more of my expressionist work including the recently completed (and massive!!) “Seven Spanish Angels”!
"Hangman" Sculpture by Pigsy
Newly Created: “Hangman” Sculpture by Pigsy
PIGSY Sculpture
I created this guy here in Malaga, the hometown of Pablo Picasso, using found objects from my studio. I was inspired by the sculptural works of Picasso to create a 3D representation of my expressionist artwork on canvas. Created in Picasso’s hometown, this piece is expressionist in form and in the style of Hawkins Bolden. I created it from studio detritus and I had a lot of fun making it!
Sure, it’s a bit weird but if you like weird and wonderful artworks get in contact with me for further info!
Poetry & Art: Poetry is inspiring!
What inspires my art?
I’m often asked what inspires my art.
To answer I would have to say just about everything in life does, be it positive or negative.
Poetry & Art
Currently I am going through a phase of listening to a lot of poetry and I truly find this very inspiring. My favourite poem to listen to at this time is “When all the others were away at mass” by Seamus Heaney. It was voted the nation’s favourite poem. back in about 2015 in Ireland, and I can see why. Seamus Heaney is a poet that turns the mundane in to something mystical but he can also reach in to the human psyche and pull out raw emotion that can be painful. My wife can’t talk about his poem “Mid-Term Break” without tearing up at the line “A Four-Foot Box, A Foot for Every Year”.
“When all the others were away at Mass” is a reference to the mother-son relationship and this theme can be seen in some of my art pieces. I am currently working on an art work that relates to my mother and some of the emotions that I am working through in relation to the natural aging process and the cycle of life and death. Due to the rawness of it I am not ready to share the art work with the world just yet. But I will in time.
Where to buy art supplies in Malaga, Spain.....
Are you an artist looking for art supplies in Malaga?
Here’s a list of the best places for artists to buy art supplies in Malaga, Spain
When I first arrived in Malaga I had no idea where to start buying art supplies for my work in the studios of La Casa Amarilla. However, I’ve done the hard leg work now, so you don’t have to which means you can spend more time doing creative things in the art studio rather than searching out all of the places to buy art supplies in Malaga!
See below for full info about all of the art stores in Malaga where you can purchase art supplies for your artistic work.
C / Méndez Núñez 10, 29008 Málaga, Spain
Olimpia Fine Arts
When I arrived in Malaga, I set about locating all of the art supply stores. Luckily for me and purely by chance the apartment I rented is literally steps away from Olimpia Fine Art shop near Uncibay Plaza. It’s got an excellent range of products and I particularly recommend their hand stretched canvas which come in various sizes and are reasonably priced. And if you visit here, you can tell Francisco that the Irish artist PIGSY sent you here!
Calle Atarazanas, 15, 29005 Málaga
Iberia Art
Iberia Art is located conveniently near the market in Malaga, Iberia Art is a treasure trove of art supplies. It is my go to store for spray paint. I also like how they are very active on instagram and have always shared my insta posts when I tag them!
It seems like a family run busines and they run it in the old school way where all of your items are priced up on a little docket by a staff member and you then take this docket up to whoever is manning (or womanning) the cash register in order to pay at the til.
The Place
Calle Cordoba 6, Malaga
The Place, Soho
I hit the motherload when I found “The Place” on Cordoba Street in Soho. It’s a mixed use cooperative of urban street wear, grafitti supplies, tattoo parlour, skateboard shop and a hairdresser! It’s awesome - there’s loads of edgy and cool stuff to look at. The spray cans and oil sticks are keenly priced too so I will definitely be returning soon for more supplies.
Along with being great for spray paint, the clothes are really good with a lot of USA brands available including Carhart and The Loser Machine.
Calle Puerta del Mar 18, Malaga
Govez
I happened upon this place when I was heading to Iberia Art. They have loads of paper supplies and pens and some art supplies but to me it seems more like a specialist stationery supplier than an art shop proper. They do sell canvas as well as paint. For things like paperclips and other mundane supplies this is a conveniently located shop that is well stocked. Along with this the staff are friendly and offer their assistance as soon as you go in the door. All ways good to take up the offer of assistance because anything that helps you get back to being creative in the art studio is the way to go!
Arvasa Frame Shop
Calle Compañía 32, Malaga
Arvasa Framing Shop, Malaga
Arvasa is a picture framing shop just down the way from the Museo Carmen Thyssen. I’m not to sure what’s going on with it because I passed by it today and unfortunately it looks like it is closing down. I had called to them a few weeks ago and made enquiries about getting some paintings framed and it did not look like this. The windows had a nice display at that time and the signage was perfect unlike the photo above. I’ll check it out again in a few week and will update this blog post if they are just closed for a refurbishment.
Update - as of Febrary 2025, this shop is still closed down which is a really pity as it is very centrally located - come to think of it, it would make a great art gallery or art studio in Malaga.
Vasco Informatica
Avenida de Manuel Agustín Heredia 14, Malaga
Vasco
This store is more of a stationers but sells plenty of things like paper, markers, pens and glues sticks etc.
Critaleria Malaguena - Framing Shop
Located on Calle Carretería 29 in Malaga Centro
An excellent framing shop in Malaga - they also stretched canvas for me!
Found Objects - making art from things found on the streets of Malaga
Additionally I have bought art supplies in some of the hardware stores found around the city. However, the one thing that I am struggling with is “Found Objects”. I had planned to make art with objects that I found in skips on the street. But to be honest, Malaga is so spotlessly clean I am not finding these items, bar what I got in the pics above!
I saw the cardboard roll being thrown in the bin in a fabric store so I went in and asked could I have it. They very kindly obliged me.
But watch this space. I will continue on the search for Found Objects and other art shops too.
Where I paint in Malaga…..
I’m currently a resident artist in La Casa Amarilla. Call in and see the gallery on Calle Santos in the centre of the city near Calle Neuve.
PIGSY Short Film
To know more about me and my art work click below to watch the PIGSY short film
American Dyslexia Association features PIGSY short film
Dyslexia and PIGSY - the film
Thank you to the American Dyslexia Association for featuring the PIGSY short film by Mike Andrews on their website.
Click here to view the PIGSY film on my website.
This film had it’s premiere showing in the Galway Film Festival in 2018 and then went on to be shown in film festivals in the UK and Ireland. It features me and how my life has been as a person with dyslexia and I hope that it can be an inspiration to others with the condition.
European Dyslexia Week
Beyond being shared by many of the world’s Dyslexia Support Organisations, the film was also screened by Irish Libraries in 2021 to mark European Dyslexia Week. As someone who is married to a librarian, this was something I was so very proud to be part of ,as libraries do amazing work and provide the most fantastic supports and resources here in Ireland as well as running services from some of the most beautiful buildings that were provided by Andrew Carnegie and are now being maintained by library authorities all over Ireland. Andrew Carnegie left his mark all over the world and libraries are a testament to his legacy.
e-Services from your local library
Of course libraries have moved on to provide services beyond the traditional offerings within the bricks and mortar of the buildings. With e-Resource offerings there are free e-Books and e-Audio Books available (I love audio books!) and also things like educational courses that can be done at any time online. Additionally many libraries offer and lend such things as Tablets for Older People to stay connected, and I see that DLR libraries offer reading pens which will be of so much benefit to many different types of users.
With most services offered free of charge in libraries in Ireland, there has never been a better time to join up and see what is available. And if you aren’t interested in borrowing a book you can always attend some of the events that they host - there really is something for everyone from the library!
A Move to Malaga for PIGSY
A move for artist PIGSY from Ireland to Spain
New Spanish adventure!
It is the start of a new adventure for myself, Enid & Bones!
I am here in Spain (the beautiful city of Malaga) for the foreseeable future to PAINT!
New Art Studio in Malaga
We rented a little apartment along with studio space to work in (en La Casa Amarilla).
It’s a fantastic opportunity to move from Ireland at this time and I am feeling very positive about this amazing adventure for us.
2020 has been one hell of a year but I think this move is a positive one.
PIGSY is going to enter in to an immensely creative period!!
Contact me for further information
My artwork is available through The Designyard Gallery - do pop in to view if you are in Dublin in Ireland (say Hi to Ronan for me!) or you can also view available pieces online, with shipping available worldwide.
My studio is open to visitors (in a socially distanced manner) so get in contact if you want to visit me here in Malaga!
"Savage" : In-spire Gallerie, Group Show
“Savage” Group Show with In-Spire Gallery
31st of July 2020 at In-Spire Gallery, Dublin
PIGSY is part of the latest In-spire Galerie Group Show.
Curated by Dino Notaro, participants Include: PIGSY, Egoluna, Niamh O’Connor, Tracy Watt, Chris O’Hara, Jennifer Smith, Ignacio Arumburu, Aine O’Hara, Frank O’Dea & Marie Noonan McDermott
A Ramble through Ranelagh
Join artist PIGSY on a walk through Ranelagh!
Ranelagh, Dublin 6, Ireland
When you ramble through Ranelagh a small urban village in Dublin with an art canvas under your arm on a warm sunny May Day……and the route to the framing shop takes you down laneways, through the park, under alleyways, past a vintage Mini Cooper and on to “Framexperts” next to Nick’s Coffee.
Ireland is the best on days like this and it certainly makes me thankful that I live in a great village with fantastic amenities and shops like Ranelagh!
**Exciting News** I'm getting to paint THIS!
Art Commission
Dinosaur Bust
Out of the blue, I’ve been given the opportunity to paint this awesome Dinosaur Head. Fondly called “Rex” by the owner of this artwork, it’s an exciting commission and I’m looking forward to getting down to work on it.
Watch this space and let’s see this piece get the “Pigsyfication” treatment and watch it ROAR!
Custom Painted Dinosaur Head
And here’s the final custom painted bust. Newly named “Rex the Protector-saurus” (apt in times of covid) he takes pride of place on the wall in his home!
This was a really fun piece to paint - I had a great time doing it. Let me know what you think of him - is he terrifying?!
I think he is a definite head turner and makes for a serious interest piece in any living room. Unique statement art will always provoke a reaction which is a good thing in my opinion.
Pandemic Painting
“Phoenix Rising” - an expressionist response to lockdown in Dublin, Ireland in March 2020
We are living through a Pandemic.
So I am painting.
We will get through this. We will rise up. Stay positive!
Art always helps.
UPDATE! “Phoenix Rising” *SOLD*
“Phoenix Rising” is now SOLD and is in-situ in the new owner’s house as part of their art collection
2020 St Patricks Day in Ireland
2020: St Patricks Day Ireland
A strange day here in Ireland as the seriousness of the pandemic unfolds and the government takes steps to flatten the curve and stop the spread of Covid 19.
We need to be warriors
In Irish legend and according to the most popular account of Fionn MacCumhail’s death, he is not dead at all, rather, he sleeps in a cave, surrounded by the Fianna. One day he will awake and defend Ireland in the hour of her greatest need.
You are needed awake now Fionn not just for Ireland but for the world.
“Needed Awake Now”
1600mm W x 1600mm H Mixed Media on Canvas
Contact DesignYard Gallery for further information
Irish Squash Open
Irish Squash Open
The Irish Squash Open is on 21st - 25th of April 2020 in Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club.
As both a squash player and an artist I’m happy to show you the poster for the event which features my artwork “Squash Soldiers”
The original artwork “Squash Soldiers” is on view in Fitzwilliam Tennis Club.
Edit. This blog was originally written on March 9th 2020. Of course as we all know now, Covid19 was beginning to take hold in Ireland and by March 15th the pubs were closed and the country was going in to lockdown. This meant events were cancelled as was the Irish Squash Open
Edit no. 2 - Feb 2020 - “Squash Soldiers” is now available as a print
New range of Limited Edition Prints now available for sale in the Designyard Gallery
Limited Edition Pigsy Prints in Designyard
Due to popular demand I’m pleased to announce that a new range of Pigsy limited edition prints are now available in a variety of sizes in the Designyard Gallery in South Frederick Street, Dublin, Ireland.
Designyard Gallery
The Designyard Gallery is open Monday to Saturday or you can visit online (click here) - worldwide shipping available.
Click through gallery below to see different prints that are for sale in the Designyard Gallery
Limited Edition PIGSY Prints with Custom Frames
PIGSY artworks are printed on Hannemuhle Fine Art Paper mounted on dibond. The prints are framed in a custom designed bespoke lime washed tray frame that has a very architectural aesthetic with a proportioned shadow gap.
The collection of prints are available on the Designyard website with worldwide shipping and the make the perfect gift for a newly married couple or a new home owner.
New Year 2020: Looking back on 2019
Goodbye 2019, Hello 2020
New Year is always a time that I end up looking at the past and considering my time since last Christmas. 2019 has been one hell of a year and I’m thankful for all that has happened - lots of it beyond my wildest dreams.
Here’s the highlights 0f 2019…. (in no particular order)
“Pigsy” film is released online
I go sailing in Turkey and on to Greece - a really great trip and a definite highlight of the year - read about it here
Pigsy film screens in Fitzwilliam along with an exhibition of my work
Released a limited edition print of “The Extra-Ordinary Crucified For You”
Climbed Carrantuohil
3 of my pieces were in Incognito
I visited Key West in May for a very chilled out trip staying with Enid’s twin sister Amy
My painting “Duval Flag” is a part of the Key West Business Guild Pride month fundraiser
In squash I won the Fitzwilliam Vets Club Championship O/45
I paint my largest piece to date : “Squash Soldiers”
Part of the team that won the Leinster League and Cup O/40s
I travel to San Pedro to play Padel Tennis
I spend Christmas in Key West
My art work goes on sale in the Design Yard Gallery with representation by Ronan Campbell
Made a big plan for 2020…..watch this space
And this is only a small part of what went on in my life. Professionally there has been so much more with lots of architectural successes - but if I start there I will be going on forever!
Here’s to 2020!
I’m ending 2019 in a great place and I know 2020 will be even better! I’ve certainly got a lot of reasons to be cheerful.
Pictured below is some of the Pigsy Artwork available in the the Designyard Gallery, Dublin City
Put Art in your Cart for Christmas!
Christmas Presents for Art Lovers
Are you considering a gift of art for someone special this Christmas?
For the person who has everything art is the unique gift that they will be delighted to find under the Christmas tree this year.
I’m happy to present some perfect options below including both prints and originals.
See the Designyard Gallery website
“V.I.P”
1500mm W x 750mm H
Mixed Media on Canvas
“Cloigeann an Diabhal”
600mm W x 600mm
Mixed Media on canvas
“The Extra-Ordinary Crucified for You” (Prints & Original available from the Designyard Gallery)
“The Extra-Ordinary Crucified for You”
Framed Print
440mm x 345mm on Hannemuhle Fine Art Paper Mounted on Dibond with Lime Washed Tray Frame
"Pigsy" Short Film Screening & Art Showcase Event in Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club
PIGSY Film Screening and Art Showcase
Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club - Tuesday 3rd of October 2019
An Art Exhibition and Documentary Screening with Pigsy
PIGSY Art Showcase
Recently I got the opportunity to present a showcase of my artwork along with a screening of Mike Andrew’s “Pigsy” short film. After the film, Kevin Moore of Legacy Communications interviewed me live where we discussed my art, my process and growing up with Dyslexia and how art helps me with dyslexia.. I really enjoyed the whole event and there was a great response to my art work and the short film, with lots of interesting questions from the audience.
Art on Court!
I’ve always thought that a squash court would make the most amazing space to exhibit art. Well for this event I was given that very opportunity by the Fitzwilliam Club. My art was displayed in two courts - one being the incredible show court in the club with bleacher seating for an audience for over 100 people. The art looked spectacular in the court and a carpet was laid down on the court to protect the wood floor.
Signature Cocktail - The “Pigtail”
All in all it was a fun night - helped in part by the Pigsy signature cocktail - the “Pigtail” - designed for the evening by myself and the bar manager of Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club!
Curator Steve Kemp, sets the scene:
Ciarán McCoy is a member of the Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club
Pigsy paints abstract neo-expressionistic art pieces
Ciarán McCoy was born on the Northside of Dublin
Pigsy emerged at the blackboard of his primary school during break time
Ciarán McCoy was diagnosed with dyslexia as a child
Pigsy deals with his dyslexia by throwing off the shackles that have bound him in life and developing a free form style of painting where traditional structure and spelling mistakes are ignored
Ciarán McCoy plays squash
Pigsy uses whatever materials come to hand to produce his artworks but mainly spray paint, oil-paints-sticks, acrylics and chalk
Ciarán McCoy is an award winning architect
Pigsy has exhibited in Dublin, London and Florida
Ciarán McCoy established his architectural practise in 2005
Pigsy hosted a sold out show of his works in Fumbally Exchange, Dublin in 2017
Ciarán McCoy is an avid Irish speaker
On October 3rd two worlds crossed over as PIGSY exhibited his work where Ciarán McCoy usually comes to play
Ciarán McCoy is PIGSY is Ciarán McCoy
PIGSY is ART
PIGSY video directed by Mike Andrews
Squash Soldiers
“Squash Soldiers” by PIGSY an artwork about the game of squash by PIGSY
A large scale artwork about the competition of squash playing, now on display in Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club
“Squash Soldiers”
Kemp writes about the latest Pigsy piece, a large scale art work that is now on display in the Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club in Dublin, Ireland.
In his latest and largest art piece created to date, PIGSY presents us with “Squash Soldiers”, a study of the benefits of undertaking a competitive practise. This is illustrated through squash, a sport that the artist has played at a high level since his youth.
Competition in Sport
The main two figures in the piece represent the “professional” and the “amateur” player and the connection between their relative ambitions. PIGSY afford both forms an equal billing in the painting to illustrate that the standard you play at is not as important as the benefits accrued from the participation.
The artist speaks of the unspoken bond formed by the repetition of a mutual experience, the achievement of a personal set of goals and the feel good factor achieved by a participatory role as far more beneficial than merely “being good” or “winning trophies”
Equality & Inclusivity in sport
As is usual in his work, the piece is flush with metaphor. The ghostly audience represent the standard bearers of the sport looking on. Both a left and right handed player can be seen either side of the painting to symbolise equality and inclusivity.
Finally, the artist’s perennial fascination with the functions of the brain are dotted throughout the work. The piece is gridded out to represent a squash court but also the eight parts of the brain that are utilised during a competitive pursuit.
Art Mug
“Squash Soldiers” is now available on a printed enamel mug from the PIGSY merchandise store. Contact me to find out more….
Edit - Feb 2022
Squash Soldiers available as a limited edition print!
Squash Soldiers is available as a framed limited edition print. The print has a bespoke custom frame designed by Ciaran McCoy. It makes a great gift - contact me for further info.
Happy Bloomsday!
“Mo Laoch” (My Hero)
“Mo Laoch” Featuring James Joyce
It is a rarity that a character in a Pigsy piece is not a version of the artist himself but in this piece the figure is that of famous Irish writer James Joyce. The inspiration for this painting came after watching a documentary on Joyce and the realised connection between him and the artist's uncle, also James, whom he never met but who's house he now owns. Was Joyce talking about people like James in his celebrated novel Dubliners? Could James the Uncle have been a role model and mentor for Pigsy for he was also a poet and artist. The title "Mo Laoch" is Gaelic for "My Hero", a reference to the actual feeling for Joyce and the potentially stronger feeling for his uncle that, alas, never existed. Note that Joyce holds the red spelling book, Pigsy's nemesis, an item depicted in many of his works to signify his struggle with dyslexia.
By Kemp
See Designyard for available PIGSY prints
“Mo Laoch” prints are available from Designyward in Dublin, contact Ronan Campbell for details.
The large scale “Mo Laoch” PIGSY artwork, featuring James Joyce, is also available through Designyard
James Joyce “Art Wear”