Speaking of Which

“Being an artist is the best thing an artist can be and it is all they can be”


This is a unique arts education project developed by The Dock with The Lab Gallery in Dublin. It foregrounds, in a learning setting, the voices and experiences of eleven contemporary Irish artists both established and emerging in their careers. They discuss why they make art, what inspires them and how they make art in eleven short and insightful videos.

The project is inspired by the desire to connect young people with the rich ideas that inform our visual culture and to give them a unique insight into arts practices, methods and the motivations of practicing artists. The videos are intended for use in an educational setting by teachers and arts organizations both as a starting point for conversations with young people to talk about their own creativity, ideas and inspirations and as a tool for teachers and educators to devise workshops and other practical activities for their classes. The series, which will be made available as a free on line resource, also provides an opportunity for these interesting and dynamic artists to connect with young audiences.

The artists were interviewed in locations in Leitrim and Dublin. The diversity of their individual backgrounds and experiences is reflected in the work each artist makes. They draw inspiration from many sources; the books they read as children, the films they have watched, conversations they have had, the environments that they have lived in and places they have visited.

Sinéad Ní Mhaonaigh and Eve O’ Callaghan talk about their commitment to the practice of painting and how they work with materials. Young emerging artist Jamie Cross talks about his work with camera technologies and nature. Recent art college graduates Ellen Duffy and Kate Murphy discuss their collaboration during lockdown and what motivates them to make art. Film maker Atoosa Pour Hosseini talks analogue films. Gemma Browne speaks about how her childhood talents have informed her practices. Anna Maria Healy has been influenced by new technologies, such as self-drive cars, and how they impact us psychosocially. Artist and filmmaker Austin Ivers has been influenced by The Cold War era and early innovations in computer design. Louise Manifold has been filming with handmade mechanical animated dolls made in the 18th Century. Sculptor Jackie McKenna talks about how her work is influenced by her time in Palestine and the issues faced by rural communities there.

The Dock and The Lab both celebrate their fifteen year anniversary this year. They have a history of working with dynamic and interesting artists and linking their work to new audiences and in working extensively with schools and young people.

This unique partnership between the two organisations seeks to further expand on this work making accessible and inspirational content that benefits artists, young people and educators equally.