A pint of Guinness is yer only man – for an artistic outlet
By Leopold Herter
ARTIST Mike Gale is currently exhibiting his creative works about Guinness in Ballyfermot Library, which will run until Friday, January 3.
As an Irish man in love with his country, he was engaged to paint Ireland-related motifs for a long time, but could not find a medium satisfying himself before finding his way to Guinness.
Guinness Still Life
One of his inspirations was defiantly “to constantly smell that magical fragrance that is spread over several districts of Dublin” when he lived in the Dolphins Barn Area, close to the Guinness brewery.
After many years he moved to Tipperary, where he and his wife live to this day.
There in the small town of Roscrea, the artist rented an old Irish pub, which he turned into his Art Studio.
“So, it seems to me, this was destiny and all the signs around me were pointing to Guinness, but I did not notice it then,” he said.
He first realised the connection after a rather lucky accident.
Mike Gale self-portrait painted with Guinness
“One day I filled my glass with Guinness stout, as I finished my sketching and while I showed my sketch to my wife and held the pint in my hand, she accidentally pushed my hand and the beer spilled onto the paper.”
Despite being upset for a moment, he started to notice the abstract shapes forming.
“From that moment on, I knew it was an idea to follow.
All the magic I had searched for years I was able to find in only one sinful liquid called Guinness, which has already been recorded in history with its taste, quality recognition brand elegance, and lifestyle.”
Since then, the fan of the iconic beer worked meticulously on his project.
“In this medium, I am able to capture the most significant moments of life.
“In moments when you are nervous, take a deep breath, look at the painting, because it is widely known that stout has a hypnotic calming benefit.”
The exhibition is free and everybody is welcome.
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