We recently had the chance to connect with Fahan Sky McDonagh and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Fahan Sky , thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Making Meditation is the way I detach from time. The hours I spend in my own creative practice have given me relief from time, burdens, and daily struggles. Making sculpture is a place of happiness not only because I am doing something I love, but also I am relieved of thinking. I plan a project, make decisions and then stop thinking and let the creativity flow out of me. Often, I am doing something repetitive, making parts, connecting parts together, building layers, etc. The creative acts are more body memory than anything else, like a mantra.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Fahan Sky McDonagh. I am an Irish American creating sculpture with glass. Glass is a material of time, memory, fragility and transience. These themes are prominent in my work, especially in relation to the environment. I practice making meditation by working in a series, creating multiples and allowing the work to flow from me.
My oldest memories from my childhood are about observing and researching the world around me. I have a deep respect for nature and understand the interconnectedness of all things. In a time filled with stress, consumerism, greed and separateness, I would like to leave behind is a message of oneness, kindness and compassion.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
In my experience, dishonesty breaks the bonds between people. Trust restores these bonds. Both of my parents modeled authenticity. As an artist, this is what gives my work integrity.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
As I age, I keep peeling back the layers. I am looking for the minimalist version of myself. An event that made a big impact on me was the dissolution of my parents marriage. I then had a fear of abandonment and generally never thought I was good enough to be loved. I had to learn that just because my Dad left, did not mean he didn’t love me. I also learned that as soon as I loved myself, that made me worthy of love. I have learned that I can trust people. Also, the actions of others does not have to define me.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is the real me. I am not trying to hide anything– I am human, I make mistakes, I fail all the time, I have a big heart, I know how to listen and apologize, I care very deeply for my family and friends.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Although my mom was very supportive of my art, no one really ever said that I should pursue art as a living. Art is not something that I chose directly, but rather it chose me .I have been using art since I was a young child to understand myself and the world around me. I just followed the breadcrumbs. This life has continued to challenge me. I am doing what I was born to do. I am using my gifts to make the world a better place.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @fsmcdonagh
- Facebook: @fsmcdonagh
Image Credits
Megan Beckler
Elizabeth Torgerson-Lamark
Fahan McDonagh
