Page 18 - For the purpose of this essay when I refer to ‘spirit’ ‘devine’ or ‘spirituality’ I am referring

2. Do you believe great art can be created without being open to this influence? Is it
a necessary part of the creative process for you?

It depends on what one perceives as great art. I would also question if all art could be
considered spiritual? However when thinking about this question in terms of myself, I
feel that when I have created my better works, there has been that connection.

3. How would you describe this influence?

This influence for me as described earlier is a 'power beyond myself'. Thinking about
it, maybe it’s more a connection with the 'whole self'- mind, body and soul.

4. Is this influence something you are aware of at any stage of the creative process,
before, during or after? If so in what way are you aware of it?

It is not something that I am consciously aware of when painting. The process of
painting allows you to become immersed, it takes you into another dimension.

I think if or when I am aware of this dimension is when intuitively, I know when a
painting is complete or indeed on returning to view a piece after some time, I am
moved by my own work. It’s in those moments that I recognise or have a sense of this
influence/dimension.
On reflection also, there have been times when the subject matter of my work, i.e.,
nature speaks to me on a deeper lever, and so it’s also in the inspiration, the 'before' that
I have sensed this influence.

5. What to you makes a painting a great work of art (painting)?

For me, a great work of art (i.e. a painting) has to as it were - speak to me or indeed
make me feel something on a deep level.
Good technical skills contribute to a good piece of work, but a great work of art has to
go further. It has to run deeper than mere representation - it has to capture the viewer,
it has to make the viewer feel something - in the mind, heart or soul.

Paul Doran – Interview Appendix 4

Doran, P., 2010. Interview Questions. [Letter] (Personal communication, 18 Mar 2010)

Paul Doran was born in Co. Wexford in 1972 where he continues to live and work. He
received a Masters in Fine Art from the National College of Art and Design, Dublin
and was awarded the prestigious AIB Art Prize in 2005. His work is included in many
important public and private collections such as, The Irish Museum of Modern Art,
Dublin, The Arts Council of Ireland, Dublin City Gallery (Hugh Lane) as well as
private collections throughout the world.

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