How art inspires powerful outlet for personal expression
“WHAT inspired me to do this project is life in Dublin,” begins Finglas’ George Fitzgerald, originally from Ballyfermot.
George, a former boxer and member of the D11 Runners, as well as a renowned writer, has a new documentary on the arts, featuring Rua Red, a multidisciplinary arts centre in the heart of Tallaght.
His passion for storytelling has allowed him to investigate the complex connection between artists and their creative pursuits, aiming to inspire others by showcasing how art can serve as a powerful outlet for personal expression and resilience.
George is no stranger to Tallaght, having boxed against St Mary’s in the early 70s and returning again in 1992, playing in The Square alongside his wife Sandra as part of the D11 Runners for the third RTÉ ‘People in Need Telethon’ charity event.
George has directed and written a new documentary called ‘Life is Art’. Voice-overs and stunning visuals beautifully capture the essence of Dublin’s vibrant culture in this film on art.
The combination of soft melodies and evocative imagery creates a profound atmosphere, inviting viewers to reflect on the relationship between art and life.
George was inspired to make this film by life in Dublin, remarking that “there is a rhythm and an arty zest to the city.” After researching the city for opportunities for young artists and discovering Rua Red, George felt it had to be part of the documentary.
“There is nowhere like it; to leave it out would be doing a disservice to the art centre,” he explains.
For George, the best part of production was getting the shots and capturing Dublin city on the move in all its raw footage; he describes the greatest challenge as filming outdoors, as the weather was temperamental.
The 61-year-old published this work following the release of a three-part film called ‘The Gardener, the Tiller, and the Vagabond’.
He has also just finished nine audiobooks and a documentary called ‘Vinegar Hill and the Riots in Dungarvan’ and is putting together the finishing touches to a new documentary on the Norman Invasion in 1174.
He describes ‘The Gardener, the Tiller and the Vagabond’ as having the longest production process because of all the images he used in doing it.
George would like to thank his wife, Sandra, for giving him the room and time to pursue all these projects and for her help in editing the work on the books.
He would also like to thank anyone who has enjoyed and supported his work, as well as The Echo, for “giving the time and space for people like me to tell our stories. So they can be heard. Thank you.”
‘Life Is Art’, as well as ‘The Gardener, the Tiller, and the Vagabond’ part 1, can both be viewed on George’s YouTube channel; be sure to keep an eye out for Rua Red in the former.
