Page 2 - ARTMOIRE

*Hi there. Please tell me your name and what you do for a living.

Hi my name is Paul McCloskey, I’m a visual artist and teacher.

*Tell me a little about yourself... where are you from, where did you grow up.

what was your childhood like?

I live and work in Gorey, Co. Wexford, Ireland, however, I grew up in
Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan a border county during what is often referred to as
the troubles in the 70’s and 80’s. I was very aware of the tensions and conflicts across
the border, which often spilled into daily life.

I would often visit my father in his barber shop on my way home from school and

marvel at the tapestry of colourful characters that would come and go as they got
shaves and haircuts before the weekend.

I was very shy as a child and internalised a lot, art was my expression even though I
wasn’t necessarily aware of its place until I was much older.

For as long as I can remember art has been my passion, it’s an integral part of my

everyday life; it is the most stabilising influence on me, the one constant throughout
my life, it has given me identity and purpose, it has sustained me emotionally,
spiritually and physically all my life.

Alongside my painting career, I am a teacher of art and design for over 30 years, I
have always tried to balance the two. I consider it a privilege to be in a position to

work with and influence young people, art by its nature allows you to connect on a
deeper and more spiritual level with students.

A New Earth- Acrylic On Canvas Glimpse- Acrylic On Canvas