'Dabbling in art is now my business' - a portrait of artist Gill O’Shea
What’s your background?
I attended art college in Dublin and graduated with a degree in sculpture/installation in 2005.
After graduating, I wanted to take a break from the art world, so I took a job in financial services and after a few years, decided to qualify as an accountant. In 2014, I started to make art again in my spare time. I created ‘Dabble in Art’ and began posting images on Facebook.
I was really stunned by all the encouragement I received — people seemed to want to engage with the work. Following much deliberation, I decided to take a break from my financial career to set up my own art business.
In December 2016, I launched ‘Dabble in Art’ to showcase my original art, limited edition prints and pet portraits.
What’s a typical work day like for you?
I try to lock myself in my studio by 10am. I work from home and usually paint until 3 or 4pm.
I then switch into marketing mode which means responding to emails, posting on social media, organising logistics for upcoming projects, etc.
I try to finish around 6 to 7pm to spend some time catching up with my husband and playing with our Old English Sheepdog, Pepper! At some stage during the day I take a break by going for a run, doing some yoga or walking Pepper.
Tell us about a recent project or design you have worked on?
I’m working on a new project I call ‘Dabbling in your Desires’, where I am trying to invest some of my time into sharing the business tips I’ve learned with fellow creatives.
Starting a business in a new industry can be daunting. I have started designing a series of free blogs on my website to share my business tips and I am hoping to convert it into a podcast.
I’m also designing a range of silk scarves. The AW collection features my equine art and will be launched at this year’s Dublin Horse Show on August 8. Each scarf is made from 100% silk.
I am very proud to partner with the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) to help them to raise much-needed funds. I have committed to donate €5 from the sale of every scarf to the ISPCA. My scarves will retail at €89 and will be available on my website from 8th August.
What’s your design style?
My paintings are formed using layers of soft loose washes executed in vibrant playful colours.
My subjects are framed against the clean white background of textured handmade watercolour paper. My work has been heavily influenced by the Japanese aesthetic, particularly the clean compositions of the classic woodblocks prints of Hokusai.
What/Who inspires your work?
In addition to the Japanese aesthetic, I am inspired by the watercolour artists Jean Haines and Charles Reid. There is something quite magical about their paintings.
What’s your favourite trend at the moment (if you have any)?
I’m not sure if you would call it a trend, but I am addicted to Instagram. It’s such a useful resource for visual people to access a wide variety of images, plus it’s an accessible way to build a creative network.
What’s your most treasured possession?
It would probably have to be my pair of beautiful sable watercolour brushes that my mum bought me. They really inspire me and even holding them makes me want to paint.
Who would be your favourite designer, or style inspiration?
My favourite designer is Kenzo, particularly his haute couture collections.
They always feature stunning prints, beautiful silhouettes and a clever blend of contemporary design and traditional Japanese aesthetic.
What would be a dream project for you to work on?
My dream project would be to work with a team of Japanese graphic and fashion designers to create a tactile installation based on blending functional objects with art to create something sublime for the viewer.
Have you any design tips for us?
Don’t be afraid to express your own unique style.
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