Ní neart go cur le chéile
There is no strength until coming together.
A lot of the art around the house is by Irish artists. Irish people are naturally creative, and you can see that just from walking around the city.
My favourite part about having a coffee shop in Dublin was the opportunity to collaborate with local artists. Although Meltdown coffee shop is closed, I am so lucky to be able to display some of the work I bought or had made throughout the house.
I poured my heart and soul into decorating this house — I think I visited the paint shop 20 times. I pulled influence from all the Irish artists I've worked with or got something from, and I got to work with lots of great people. It wasn't at all stressful. I joke!
My taste has definitely become more refined as I've got a bit older, which I think can be seen from the colours I've used on the walls and furniture. I am so glad these colours still make a great backdrop to the younger version of myself who collected the art displayed around the house.
If you fall for something while you are here, the artists are all below. Go and buy from them.
Where to buy something
Jam Art Factory has prints by a lot of Irish artists, and Indigo & Cloth sells local designers' work, mostly ceramics and fashion. Kathi's own work is on sale at the new gallery in the Guinness Storehouse, which is a ten minute walk from the door.
Brian sends people to The Library Project, Graphic Studio Gallery and SO Fine Art Editions for original prints and Irish design, and to Fresh Cuts for independent Irish fashion.
Shows worth catching
Owen's picks: the Kerlin, Kevin Kavanagh and the Douglas Hyde are all fairly central, and The Lab on Foley Street is a great space that usually has something on. IMMA and the Hugh Lane are both free.
The artists
Sonofafoxx
Brian Giles, a printmaker and graphic designer based in Dublin, working out of Damn Fine Print. Screenprints built from abstract texture and very strong colour.
I commissioned Brian to make the wallpaper for the Meltdown cafe on Montague Street, and since then I have commissioned him to make a few presents for friends' weddings. This particular picture I bought as part of a print run for a charitable cause.
sonofafox.com
Kiki Na Art
Ciarna Pham, a Dublin-born artist working in illustration and handmade jewellery. Patterns, illusions and a bit of humour.
I am a long time fan of Kiki, and when I fell in love with the Moira Rose character on Schitt's Creek I had to ask her to delve into wall art and create the amazing portrait of her hanging in the bedroom.
kikinaart.com
Kathi Burke
An illustrator, artist and author from Dunmore East in Waterford, now working across collage, embroidery, painting and poetry. Storytelling is the thread through all of it.
Kathi was known as Fatti Burke when I first came across her work. She did a massive mural for Winedown restaurant — scaffolding was required. The Dirty Dancing Guinness piece I bought from Hen's Teeth when she made a pop-up Guinness pub.
Owen De Forge
Owen used to work with me in Meltdown in Temple Bar. He was always a joy to work with, and I have since seen his work pop up in many prestigious galleries.
Finbar McHugh
I have long been an admirer of Finbar's work — I love how the colours he uses are so vibrant. I'm from Galway as well, and when the opportunity to buy two of the pieces from an exhibition came up I jumped. He kindly added a third to the series for me so that it would complete my favourite part of the house, the hall.
The Garden
Mark Grehan's floral design studio and plant shop, in the foyer of Powerscourt Townhouse and on Mill Street in the Liberties. Wild, natural planting, drawn from his native Connemara.
Mark, the owner, is from Galway, and he planted the courtyard for me in a fabulous way.
thegarden.ie