Maser (41) is a multidisciplinary artist. In his teens, he started out as an artist on the streets with an aerosol can in hand. He went on to study fine art and graphic design. Today he creates murals, canvases, fine art prints and installations.
We receive commissions all over the world, including London, Australia and New York. He lives with his partner Dee and his 7-month-old son Alfie in Dunhi Rare.
What kind of child were you when you were little?
I was very sensitive. I don’t play soccer or scout, but I remember going to an art camp in Pine Forest. It continues to this day. I love hiking and art. I am very competitive and like a human being art has always been with me.
Choose three words that describe yourself.
Ambitious, curious, and doing the best.
What are you doing on Culture Night?
My studio on Rue Charlemont is open to the public. I’m probably painting early on that day, and it’s going to be an opportunity for people to go inside and chat and see the half-finished work.
Your new solo exhibition at Gormleys Fine Art is “Lost Time, Found Again”. tell me more
It is a huge work that is mainly drawn on canvas. It’s relevant to my situation. I had kids, so it’s a new chapter. It’s about time and time value.
A lot of artists say they don’t have enough time, but I’ve been rearranging things and I’ve realized that I actually have enough time.It’s all about where your priorities are.
video of the day
why are you an artist
I started as a kid and got stuck. It gives me relief and a sense of purpose. I always have a busy mind and it has a purpose. I put my experience into the picture.
How Has Fatherhood Changed You?
We are a small team and me and my fiancé Dee are doing great. I’m thinking about the saying “with greatness comes responsibility”.
Accountability is a great motivation and I am enjoying it so far. It’s new stress and new fatigue, but you find happiness. My anxiety has been greatly relieved. I think it’s because we’re no longer number one. There’s a nice simplicity to it.
Why do you want to move on from murals?
I love painting murals, but it takes a lot of planning. There is a lot of freedom when it comes to painting on canvas.
Tell me about your big walk
Last November, I walked from Dublin to Galway with my artist friend Sean Atmos. It took six days from coast to coast. I liked the challenge and wondered what it would bring me.
We were walking 15 hours a day. Some days were rainy, some were dark and some were hard, but some of them were lovely joys.It gave me a mental armor that I could bring into other areas of my life. It taught me about perseverance, perseverance and self-awareness.
Who are your role models and why?
People who create the legacy of their work. It’s easy to fail quickly, but I admire people who have perseverance.
What is your street art language?
I realized the street space and your responsibility to leave your mark on it. You can make a positive impact. “Fear not,” were the last words the poet Seamus Heaney said to his wife, so I got it.
My cousin died tragically several years ago. I attended his funeral and thought that all his companions were there and that he was still alive in this space and that life was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. but people can own it and interpret it as they please.
Have you done anything new since Covid?
I started journaling during lockdown. I’ve never done it before, but it’s great. Write down what you are grateful for and your goals for the day. He is one of the rituals before entering the studio, just like training. Doing these things will greatly increase your productivity.
Maser is part of this year’s Culture Night Dublin on Friday 23rd September with over 300 free events across Dublin. See culturenightdublin.ie and maserart.com.
