Why do I love the lone goat of the lighthouse? There is something so solitary about this goat. There once was a herd of goats living around the lighthouse until it was decided they were damaging the native flora and fauna. This one goat escaped his captors and lives alone in one of the most beautiful places on the planet! For many years I have walked to the lighthouse,and on occasion have witnessed the goat grazing on the sharp cliff faces with the deep blue waters below. This year I have walked to the lighthouse regularly and it is a rare and special event when I spot the goat. I have a ritual where I touch the lighthouse for good luck, on the first day of starting this ritual I spotted the goat grazing just a few meters from where I stood, with the looming lighthouse in full view in the background creating a magnificent picture.
I was amazed as in my eight years of walking to the lighthouse I had not seen the goat up so close. What struck me about this encounter was the surreal experience of the goat staring directly into my eyes, just a few meters away. I felt a sense of calm and my mind started thinking how this goat is so raw in the elements but also she was at home. I know that they are considered somewhat of a problem eating local vegetation but this lone goat just feels so much part of the lighthouse experience. What was interesting about the goat on this day was that it gave to me the experience of its natural instinct to roam around the cliff face in almost a cyclic fashion, with no concern of human activity around. It was interesting to watch joggers run past the goat in a detached way in contrast to my excitement and interest . The goat certainly doesn't create the same wonder of the passing whale - no 'goat tours' here!!
Uncovering issues around identity and a sense of belonging has always intrigued me. I am fascinated by the idea that the human race is one and that we are all cosmically connected despite geographical and cultural divides. Traveling has allowed me to recognize that, essentially, we all have the same hopes and dreams and I am touched by our shared stories. The people, experiences, colours and textures absorbed throughout many years of traveling I now express through my art.
Painting the human condition from my personal point of view is about remembering and capturing inspired moments and interpreting them onto canvas or paper. Just hearing the sounds of life like the variety of bird calls echoing across the tree branches or walking on the beach and seeing the lighthouse in the distance can trigger a series of mental images that can be translated onto a canvas. The interpretation of light is also an act of faith when I do my painting. This is why colour and tone are so important to the overall mood and effect of the painting.
I met Duncan at a small gathering where he performed with Simon Lewis from Amanaska and guest singer Monique Lewis. Duncan played my favourite songs from the latest 1 Giant Leap album, it was extraordinary to watch this multi-talented artist and musician play live. Having traveled the world with co-creator Jamie Catto recording music from a variety of cultures then masterly producing recordings of the collected music. Their music sends a message of interconnectedness, that deep down we all have the same needs of love, peace and happiness and they explore how we can come together through meeting these universal needs. In an impromptu and magical moment befitting the philosophy of 1 Giant Leap it was suggested that a short film about my art be played during intermission at this private gig. Duncan felt a connection with my work and asked if I would paint him.
The new film "What about Me?" is a lovingly crafted explosion of music and philosophy, Bono describes Duncan and Jamie as "two genius film makers.."
I’ve wanted to work with Yasgurs Farm for some time now, the idea of filming their silhouettes as I have been doing with other artists came to me when listening to their cover of the beautiful song ‘Innocence’ by Worldfly
We chose ‘Innocence’ because of the tension in the lyrics and the chords, Paul and Monique sing with such passion and honesty – straight from the heart, the visual of the young dancer in the background adds a gentleness and inspires to ‘always remember’ and hang in there even when times are tough as the song suggests.
The delicate keyboard playing in the background by Brent holds the music in a soulful way, hypnotising the audience. I love this piece for it’s rawness, the live performance shows the incredible talent of the musicians.
After the filming Yasgurs Farm at the studio, Paul and I had the following conversation about his creative journey which you may find interesting;
Sean: Your friend is one of the composers of "Innocence", can you tell me how it feels to perform a friends song?
Paul: Rob Geaney is an old friend since school days, and we have jammed for many thousands of hours over the years. He and his son, Joe, were involved in a band called "Worldfly"and they wrote "Innocence" together with the bands leader, Michael Maher. When I first heard the song, I was struck by how familiar it sounded, especially the use of the major 7th chords within a minor chord progression - a Rob signature! Those chords together and the melodies they produce have always stirred me emotionally - a sort of bitter sweet feel and the songs lyrics are also very contrasting with love, longing and sadness.
The pass at Byron Bay has a cluster of rocks that frames Julian rocks in the distance and normally the tide is high so the rocks remain partly submerged. Today was very different; a very low tide had created a natural water slidewhich a few of the local boys could not resist, seeking out the thrill of jumping into the waves as the water powered through the rocks. They had watched the run of the water and had worked out that it was safe to jump. However, one crazy boy was intent on running flat out and then high jumping through the air as far as he could go.
The thrill of the jump, riding those distorted waves as they powered through the rock channel was as much a buzz for them to ride as it was for me to witness. But after watching them awhile, I realised these locals kids weren't stupid, they knew how to play safely in this spot. After all they had grown up swimming and surfing in Byron. It was all about timing, the tide, the weather and using their love and knowledge of the ocean.
On reflection I remembered that I had once had this same adventurous spirit,but as I grew older my mind had obviously taken a more careful journey in its decision making. Was this a good or bad thing? Certainly self preservation plays a large part of what slows us down and keeps us from taking risks like these pictured.