Interview with Shane O’Driscoll: “The direct handmade connection in making art prints ignited a new energy in me.”
Shane O’Driscoll is an Irish artist, designer and curator based in Cork. O’Driscoll talks about his journey into becoming a printmaker, his career highlights including his involvement with the Olympics, and his approach to his working process.
Tell me about yourself!
I am a visual artist and designer from Cork. I studied graphic design in college, and worked as a graphic designer and art director in Dublin for many years before moving back home to Cork. Here, I have been practising as a full-time artist for the past 6 years. I’m 6 foot 4 inches and don’t enjoy getting my hair cut.
Can you tell us how you became interested in printmaking?
Printmaking was a module in college, and that’s where I got the taste or it! It was a Friday afternoon class, and many didn’t go, so I was allowed to try different techniques as there were only a few in class. After college, I did an evening course at Cork Printmakers and quickly put together a portfolio to apply for a full membership. I was eager to get into printmaking as soon as I could; the direct handmade connection in making art prints ignited a new energy in me.
What are you influences?
Architecture and geometry are large influences in my work, as the first prints I made were from photos of buildings while I was travelling in California. I like to listen to music, from start till end of day, in the studio. That’s where titles for my prints are often from; the songs or lyrics I was listening to when making them.
How would you describe your artistic approach?
It tends to be a loose assembly at the start when composing a new print, a gut feeling that guides me. Then I finesse it once the play part has finished and often allow for chance when on the printing table; otherwise it just becomes a process. I enjoy reducing the elements and often might go a bit too far, but I enjoy the visual tension in those pieces.
I know when a piece is finished when my brain tells me its cooked! There will be an internal resolve when I know I don’t need to work on it anymore. Some pieces can come quickly, and others can take a bit longer. I still have unfinished prints in the drawers from a few years ago that I will come back to finish when I have the solution to them.
What is your favorite moment of the art process?
When the physical print locks into place and the colours all align perfectly. I create the compositions on computer then have to mix the colours by hand when printing. The print will have started on a screen, then exist once I have handprinted it. When making work on screen, then realizing it physically, there is a two part process between the immediacy of digital and handmade, I feel a stronger personal connection to my work when printmaking by hand.
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
Inspiration changes depending on the project. With commissioned pieces, it can have a brief that dictates the colour or content of its composition. When making work for myself, it’s generally the environments around me. I can dip into older work as a jump off point or a photo that I have taken that acts as a gateway into a composition.
What are some highlights from your previous exhibitions?
It is always exciting to exhibit work anywhere. Recently I exhibited my art in Waterford as part of the “Muscles and Mind” exhibition in Waterford Gallery of Art. It was special as it was in recognition of Irish Art in the Olympics. I got to speak about my time in Paris last summer during the Olympics as an Artist in Residence for Team Ireland, and talk about my commissioned artwork for their Centenary.
Another highlight was when I travelled to New York for a group show with Cork Printmakers in the Irish Arts Centre. To see my work outside Ireland on a gallery wall is always a buzz.
What other art projects do you do?
Many years ago I ran a series of art and design exhibitions with a good friend, and we ran exhibitions and creative events throughout Dublin – creative festivals and also in New York. It was a great learning experience. I was involved in all the facets, which gave me a great insight into every role in running an exhibition.
I have also curated a number of art exhibitions over the years. Most recently, I am a co-director for the Ardú Street Art Project in Cork, which has brought large scale murals to Cork City. Transforming the city landscape and curating artists to best suit the locations is a key part of that process.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists/ printmakers?
Make work, make lots of work and make mistakes, make lots of mistakes and embrace them! Become a member in a print studio and learn from those around you, ask questions. Every artist has been at that starting point, and can relate. I find that most are willing to share knowledge about the process and any advice needed. I’m always happy to give advice to others, as I have received it from others. It’s not all plain sailing.
What projects are you current working on, and what can we expect from you in the future?
I have just started collaborating with an ambient musician, which I am very excited about. I’m hoping to make some large prints this year in woodblock, and I have a few murals lined up. It’s a nice mix of work in different mediums and collaborations, which is what I like.
To contact or learn more about Shane O’Driscoll’s work, follow him on social media and check his website:
website: Shane O Driscoll
Instagram: @shane.odriscoll
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