Rachel Roberts
Rachel’s works highlight what we’re all feeling right now: unease, insecurity, nervous laughter.
“People need to be creating and consuming art as a way to cope with what’s happening.”
We couldn’t agree more.
Her pieces resonated massively with us. They are extremely current yet also eerily timeless. They highlight very well the importance of art right now; and the power that art can have in difficult times.
Tailte Ériu
Tailte specialises in fluid paintings. She does what neuroscientists could only dream of: captures precisely what she “imagines [her] mind to look like”.
This work in particular focuses on the left/right brain connection. And it highlights for us how art can help in journeys of self-discovery, self-healing, and channelling.
Tailte manages to “take negative emotions and turn them into something beautiful“.
Caoilfhionn Hanton
A fellow Waterfordian, Caoilfhionn has brightened up our city countless times with her crazily-impressive murals. We felt this mural fit our TOTEM so well, we just had to make it the cover image.
In an interview with us, she speaks out about the importance of nourishing your inner, artistic child:
“Our first memories involve toys, games and fun. Slowly, we shun these innocent devices of childhood and start to categorise ourselves into our given roles in society.“
“Like literally before you know it, you’ve stopped swallowing small parts of plastic, and are on the fast track to a quarter-life-crisis and manically cutting your own fringe.”
Amen to that, sister.
Sean O’Donnell
in day to day life.“
Sean classifies himself as an image maker, and his instagram is full of thought-provoking images such as this one.
This is just one piece from his photography collection Limen (2018-2020) – a complete work which altogether: “investigates contemporary Ireland“, highlighting some of our more desolate scenery. Those uglier, more battered places that we all grew up around. The places that most photographers would avoid.
He describes what he captures in his photography as: “the effects of economic despair from a previous generation.”
Effects that we’ve all felt, growing up.
Klufer
“Fuck the sick. Fuck the homeless. And fuck all the common folk.”
Need we say more?
Klufer’s work speaks for itself: in bold imagery, with big text and bright, pastel colours.
Klufer has a message to share and he makes sure to put it across in a super friendly, pleasant, cartoonish manner.
This juxtaposition is what makes his works so satisfying – (if also somewhat unsettling!)
Satisfy your eyes by browsing through his website/instagram.
Tom Sanford
Tom blew us away with his touching story. He has been exacting real change with his art: painting beer cans for anyone who donates to his local, New York bars, who are currently in trouble due to COVID-19
“I like the idea of painting the beer cans in a time like this, as we can’t share a beer in person, but by finding, drinking and then painting someone’s favourite beer, I feel like my painting becomes somewhat social, personal and up-lifting.“
We drink to that!
Megan Warner
Megan’s art shocks. Her pieces are intentionally as uncomfortable as they are beautiful. She says her art “revolves around the topic of female shame and how society judges women for what the decide to do with their bodies.”
“Women are constantly judged for everything we do, every day. Based off of personal experience as well as others, I try to send public message that women should not be judged on their sexual history/behaviour, how we decide to dress, and what we decide to do with our bodies.”
Her message is of one of feminist liberation; one every woman can relate to. Megan explains how art is an important medium to stand up for the things you believe in, and to give a voice to those who may not have the ability to do so.
“Feminism and art are my most favourite things, and what better way to express my beliefs and views than through art? Using art means I get to speak up for myself and other people in my own way, no restrictions.“
Anne Mcdonnell
One of the pieces displayed in the Mindfield area of Electric Picnic Music and Arts Festival, 2018.
Airmid is a beautiful rendition of an old Irish tale. Anne explains:
“According to Irish mythology Airmid was the Irish Goddess of Healing and Herbs and daughter of Dian Ceht, physician to the Tuatha Dé Danann. The image here depicts my interpretation of Airmid with the head of her brother Miach. Dian Ceht became so jealous of his son’s talents that he killed his son by severing his skull.“
We loved this representation of Irish history and culture. It goes to show that art is just as big a part of Ireland as song, story-telling and dance are.
Roisin O’Brien
Roisin’s work explores the whimsical through bold illustrative ink drawings.
Her’s are lineart that have a very tattoo-style feel to them.
We absolutely recommend checking out her IG (linked in name) to check out more of her gorgeous work! (especially if you’re considering getting a tattoo anytime soon!)
Goddamn! 