The Third Degree: Kerry artist’s special connection to Gaoth Dobhair

IN this week’s edition of The Third Degree artist Niall Naessens chats about his recent exhibition in Gaoth Dobhair, his family connection to the county and what inspires him in his work.

Hi Niall, many thanks for agreeing to do this interview. Could you tell us a little about yourself, please?

I am from Dublin but have been living in Brandon, West Kerry for 20 years. I am a printmaker and a draughtsman specialising in etching. My work deals with our relationship with the landscape.

Your exhibition opened in Gaoth Dobhair recently. How has that been going for you?

My show Ar Imeall an Iontais at An Gailearaí, Gaoth Dobhair is an extension of The Last Man In Europe which showed at the Graphic Studio Gallery in Dublin earlier this year. Úna Campbell curated and hung the show adding significantly to the experience of the body of work. [The show runs until June 30 – details at www.angailearai.com, www.niallnaessens.com, or instagram@niall.naessens]

Your surname is Dutch, and you live in Kerry – what is the connection to Donegal? Are you drawn to the empty spaces of places like Kerry and Donegal (and is that because it gives you time to work, or because they are an inspiration)?

Naessens, a Flemish surname, was brought to Ireland from Belgium by my great grandfather. My mother’s family, Gallagher, came from Bunbeg and we spent our summer holidays in Gaoth Dobhair growing up. I much later visited Tory Island several times. In the spirit of romanticism I am drawn to empty spaces.

A lot of your art shows striking landscapes, sometimes empty, sometimes with small human figures: does that say something about how you see the world?

As an artist your job is to see things for other people. How I choose to present the world, I hope, creates wonder. The figures, often artists in my work, observe the landscape they occupy, offering another point of view.

You sometimes take inspiration from an old painting, and create your own image from that (like your series from Turner). What do you look for in those old images?

Artists are always looking at art. My work is informed by the work I have seen as well as my own experience. The 13 small etchings are from my Good Morning Mister Turner show at the National Gallery in 2018 where I made work in homage to JMW Turner.

The Third Degree with Paul Bradley

How have modern digital methods changed your work?

There are six large works in the show that I made on my computer. I find it a very exciting medium even though I am only using a tiny amount of its capability. It suits my interests in drawing.

Is there one piece you’re particularly proud of?

The Ancestress is a work about my connection with Gaoth Dobhair. It is a concocted portrait of a Donegal relative.

What would you say to someone who wanted to start making a living in art in 2023?

Making a decent living in art is difficult for most artists. It is important to be genuine.

Are there any issues you’d like to draw attention to?

I am sickened by the waste and destruction caused by Putin’s megalomaniac invasion of Ukraine. The resources used for fighting and defending the war could solve a lot of problems in the world. Luckily the Ukrainian people are fighting for the freedom of people within and beyond their borders.

Quick fire:

The book or the film? I don’t read enough, the last book I finished was Shadowplay by Joseph O’ Connor

The perfect night? I like to go to my local for a few pints.

Favourite film, artists, music?I listen to a lot of jazz, funk , African, most recent favourite Gabriels. I watch a lot of films, my favourite director is Pedro Almadovar.

What motivates you? Work when it’s going well motivates me, and spending time with my family.

What do you look for most in a friend? I like to have a bit of a laugh with them.

How do you relax? I relax by cooking, walking the dog, cutting the grass, listening to music, having a beer, watching a movie – or several of these things at the same time.

If anyone else would like to take part in this interview, to raise a profile or an issue, or just for fun, please contact Paul at Dnthirddegree@gmail.com

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