Solo Show - 'The Next Chapter' at The Doorway Gallery Dublin
- 19 hours ago
- 3 min read
Hello,
Can you believe it's June already. Perhaps it's an age thing, but somehow the months fly past quicker and quicker as the years go by. I don't mind telling you though, I am riding high in to June, my feet not quite touching the ground, following the opening of my solo show at The Doorway Gallery in Dublin.
A solo show! Wow! Something as an artist we dream of! So, when the moment arrives you are filled with anticipation and hope. The journey to this point involved countless hours of painting, refining ideas, and preparing each piece to tell its story.
Now, the work is on display and so far, so good, red dots are appearing on many of the pieces. I feel deeply humbled and grateful for the overwhelming kindness and support.
The Next Chapter...
Why this title you may ask?
Because the last six months have been just this for me. Taking redundancy in the latter half of 2025, meant stepping back and re-evaluating the path I had been on for so long. Moving from part-time artist to painting taking a more centralised role in my career, has been exciting, yet in some ways more difficult than I had considered. My art had until now, been a welcome distraction and therapy from a job which hadn't fulfilled me for some time. But painting full-time, there's a lot more at stake, which comes with it's own challenges and pressures.
Some of the new work on show...
However, with the work delivered and the show open, it's almost like a creative flood gate has opened. My studio has never seemed more alive, with lots of new work on the go. I promise to share them with you as and when they are ready. I think the recent spell of warm sunshine has helped too, there's something so special about throwing open the garden studio doors and letting in fresh air and the sounds of nature.
Highlights from opening night
Thursday 28th May saw the opening night celebration! The familiar faces of friends and family mingling with visitors, all coming together to toast the exhibition. The wine flowed and red dots appeared. Sarah gave a wonderful opening speech, telling my story and artistic journey so beautifully, which you can watch via my Instagram profile. https://www.instagram.com/artistgmd/
I had the best evening, truly a moment to savour and remember forever. Here's a few captures from the evening you might like to see.
The show runs until 11th June, so you still have a little time to visit. Art is always best viewed up close, however, if you can't make it in person, you can view the show online via the Doorway website:
Chapter Two?
So what's next after all this excitement you may ask. As I said, lots of new work in the planning/painting. A couple of key commission pieces I'm looking forward to making more progress on, plus preparing a body of new work for Art Source taking place in the RDS, Dublin in November. All-in-all, good times ahead, with plenty happening behind the scenes which will keep me busy. Watch this space...
As always, thank you for following along.
Namaste,
Gavin
Beyond honoured to give your opening night speach. What a wonderful show and what an amazing moment seeing your artist career really taking flight.
Gavin, this is a pinch yourself moment! I am just giddy! This isn't the beginning.... it's the continuation and evolution of pure beauty and visual delight! Blessings to you, my friend.