Meet James Earley: Stained glass in heart,soul and lineage
I started painting graffiti in 1997 and completed a BA in Visual Communications in 2004.
I come from a long line of practising stained glass artists since the 1850s. Art is very much part of my genetic makeup.
Usually I get into the studio for 8.30am and would work till 7pm. If things are very busy that can roll onto 9pm. The general structure to the day is sort emails first thing and set up meetings early afternoon, then emails last thing before I head home.
The other sections of the day are used for working on designing and planning projects or physically creating artworks in the studio or on-site.
The projects I work on vary quite a bit which keeps things very interesting for me. These would typically be private art commissions, public artworks/murals and curatorial projects.
I’m working on artworks for my solo show coming up in Dollard House, Temple Bar, next week. It has required a lot of planning and patience and I’m extremely happy with the results.
One of the most exciting elements of the show are two large stained-glass pieces. Working with stained glass has been a life-long goal of mine and I couldn’t be happier that these works have finally come to fruition.
The style of my work is graphic, with a strong emphasis on colour, form and movement depicting abstracted images.
I use line and tone to create depth as well as computer-generated halftone (dot) patterns. There are strong visual references to stained glass as well as abstract expressionist art within the work.
The most immediate and regular inspiration is Instagram, it’s a double-edged sword: It’s great to see such a high volume of amazing work at such a fast pace, but it does make art very instant and disposable.
I look at quite a few art blogs and art mags and would hit lots of shows in Dublin and visit London a few times a year.
Nothing beats experiencing artworks in the flesh. When it comes to specific artists, I would have a particular interest in my family’s stained-glass artworks.
Then, abstract Irish artists, abstract graffiti/street artists and abstract expressionists from the 60s and 70s.
When trends come along I tend to take note of them and run the other way!
I love trying to seek out unique experiences/approaches that aren’t swayed by trends.
Trends are fleeting. It’s always better to go for timeless, lasting themes or to seek out your own creative voice.
I have a family heirloom on loan, it’s an original full-size sketch for a window by Harry Clarke. It’s a thing of true beauty and testament to his abundance of talent.
Mainie Jellett, a truly inspiring lady who, in my mind, made one of the largest impacts on the modernist movement in Ireland. A radical and progressive artist for her time, her paintings still look fresh today. I’d love to own an original of hers.
My dream project would be to create a large series of stained glass windows in a public space, creating a spiritual and immersive experience for the viewer.
Trust your subconscious, it’s an amazing tool. When working on a project I tend to research a project a great deal and then sleep on it. The design or answer will come to me the next morning, every time.
Putting pressure on yourself to create is completely counter-productive, so if you can, always give yourself time to let ideas percolate. Also, document your work well. Buy a decent digital camera and learn how to properly use it.”
James Earley’s solo exhibition, ‘Things Fall Apart’, launches on May 24 and will run until June 3 at Dollard House in Temple Bar.
www.jamese.ie
Instagram: @james_earley
