10 questions with Limerick artist Evan Healy

Limerick Artist Evan Healy discusses his inspiration, creativity, and Limerick

Emerging Limerick artist Evan Healy answers 10 questions about his inspiration, his creative process, and love for Limerick

Evan Healy, an emerging self-taught artist from Limerick, Ireland, was born in 2002 and currently calls Limerick home. Evan specialises in contemporary charcoal and graphite art, primarily working with white charcoal on black paper and graphite and charcoal on white paper.

Evan’s graphite and charcoal artwork can be categorised as a blend of classical realism and surrealism, with specific focus on the human condition in the modern world.

Evan has exhibited at a number of other exhibitions, both nationally and internationally. Including the prestigious ‘London Art Biennale 2023’, curated by the International Confederation of Art Critics, Ireland’s largest art fair ‘Art Source 2023’ and his first solo exhibition ‘Humble Beginnings’ held at ‘The People’s Museum of Limerick’ in March 2024.

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1. Tell us about your childhood growing up in Limerick.

From a very young age I began to develop a fascination for drawing. I remember being amazed at how it was possible to create an image from what I saw in the world around me. This was an interest that came and went as I got older, but I always found myself going back to it eventually.

2. What inspired you to become an artist, and how has the inspiration evolved over the years?

My first love was Architecture, however, once I got older, my interest in drawing and art grew. I knew I should act on this instinct and so that is how my artist career began. Drawing at first was a way I could discover more about myself, to discover a philosophical and ethical code that I could aspire to, and I would express this visually. Over time my sources of inspiration began to expand, and presently I find I am representing human struggle and resilience in a way to reveal the beauty found within those states.

3. Can you tell us about your creative process?

Ideas often come to me when I am in either a deep state of flow, usually when I am working on another piece, or if I am in a quiet space and allowed to reflect on my own thoughts and experiences. I usually get a visual snapshot of the image I want to create and from there I go about producing an extremely rough design of how I want the piece to look. Then I begin the piece itself and build it up as I go. As I work on the piece I often find that it naturally develops in both concept and style. Each piece becomes as much of a reflective exercise as an expression.

4. What challenges have you faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?

There have been many challenges so far to get to where I am now. Probably one of the toughest challenges I have faced has been myself. I am often my own worst enemy, when it comes to self doubt, perfectionism and sometimes impatience. I often question whether my work is truly authentic or not, as I believe that is the key to creating great art, however, I also believe great skill and mastery is just as important, which brings with it its own set of challenges. There are many ways that I could overcome these challenges, but one way I have found works most of the time is to simply do the work!

5. How would you define success as an artist?

Success means different things to different people, but for me the ultimate goal is for the work to leave a significant impact on the viewer when they need it the most. Everyone can have their own interpretation for each piece, and that is how they can make it their own. Ultimately that is why I create. If a piece can have an impact on one person in a way that is not only unique to them, but leaves them with a better understanding about themselves or the world, I would consider that a success.

6. What experiences and feelings do you hope people get when they see your art?

I want people to recognise beauty in others and the world around them, despite there also being ugliness and cruelty. If you look hard enough, you will find it. I want people to walk away with ultimately their own interpretation of the work, but also a feeling of hope.

7. Are there any upcoming projects you are excited about?

I am currently in the process of transitioning from charcoal and graphite into oil painting, which is an intimidating but welcome change. I felt the need to take a new direction for my work, and so I am currently working on producing a new body of work in oil painting. I also currently have a solo exhibition held at the National Software Centre in Cork titled Reflections.

8. What is a typical day in the studio like for you?

I have a fairly consistent routine, depending on the project and upcoming deadlines. I am a firm believer that physical training is just as important as studio work, it gives me an opportunity to ground myself for the day, so I exercise before I begin my studio sessions.

I often listen to music or videos to set myself into a particular mindset, which can vary widely. Once in the studio, I usually have a specific goal in mind I want to aim to complete for the day. My studio sessions can be long, and are always solitary. Being alone gives me the space I need to think and reflect, however, there are definitely times where I need external inspiration.

9. What advice would you give people beginning their artistic journey now?

Focus on what you truly want to create, not what you think others want from you. Ironically, the more you commit to your personal vision, the more deeply it will resonate with others. Make work that matters to you, and the right people will find it. Another piece of advice is that you simply never stop creating. If you never stop, you will inevitably succeed.

10. What is your favourite thing about Limerick?

The way Limerick has shaped my life experiences so far, and how I was able to use these experiences as fuel to create.