By Sean Hillen
POET, painter, songwriter, guitarist – the creative abilities of Gortahork’s Owen Curran know no boundaries.
And his multi-faceted talents were plain to see and hear at a well-attended event in Gaoth Dobhair Library (Leabharlann Phobail Ghaoth Dobhair) in Derrybeg as
part of the annual Bealtaine Festival hosted by Donegal County Council.
Before an audience from Falcarragh, Gaoth Dobhair, Cloughaneely and other places, the library displayed an impressive collection of his artworks produced over the last ten years.
One particular painting replicated scenes from the well-known song ‘A Pair of Brown Eyes,’ performed by The Pogues. Another reflected the frustrations of what can best be described as ‘a bad day.’ Yet another depicted Irish emigrants enjoying a well-earned drink together in a pub.
But that wasn’t all.
The 63-year-old roads foreman for Donegal County Council also showed his other talents, guitar-playing and singing songs he has written over the years, as well as reading his own thought-provoking prose and poetry.
One poignant poem he recited was dedicated to his deceased sister, Sally.
“The Bealtaine Festival is about celebrating creativity, reflection and the richness of our artistic expression and Owen’s body of work is a prime example of that,” said Denis McGeady, executive librarian and emcee for the evening.
“Knowing him for quite some time, I’m left wondering if there is anything this man can’t do. He’s so talented.”
Owen took an interest in art early in life. “As a child I remember seeing Salvador Dalí’s Christ of Saint John of the Cross and trying to replicate it on a page of my mother’s prayer -book, thinking it would make the book look better,” he recalled.
“Growing up in a family forced to move back and forth from Donegal to Glasgow because of job opportunities, I’m particularly interested in the theme of emigration. Everyday life and memories inspire me. Work, the Irish countryside, people I meet in the streets.”
Moses Alcorn, photographer and friend from Horn Head, Dunfanaghy, who spoke at the event, said, “Owen has a unique way of telling a story – in his paintings, his songs and his other writings.
Whether they be about growing up in Falcarragh, working on the North Sea Oil terminal, supporting Celtic, the building sites of Scotland and England, a football match on the banks of the Ray or struggles in Glasgow’s south side, his memory and imagination are truly remarkable.”
Malachy McReynolds, originally from Armagh, now living in Brinaleck, added, “Owen’s work is grounded in the local community. I loved his references to the townland of Ray and to the Lough Swilly bus service.”
Owen’s exhibition continues for the rest of the month at the Gaoth Dobhair Library alongside other Bealtaine events there including a genealogy workshop, a film about the Brontë sisters and a talk about vintage Irish fashion by artist and collector Maura Logue.
Owen’s wife, Sile, with her niece, Carla, and her sister, Christine.