All Creatures Great and Small - 148 x199cm Acrylic on canvas 2009
My fascination with a tiny pufferfish washed up on the beach during a morning walk was the idea behind painting "All creatures' Great and Small". Sea creatures are a common occurrence on Byron Bay beaches and most of my friends have had similar experiences. Andrew, a seasoned surfer from Lennox Head always talks about these creatures and other interesting objects he encounters while exploring the ocean and what it throws up onto the land. He describes the sea like a Pandora's box full of beautiful things, as well as strange dangerous creatures that come in all shapes, sizes and colours. His favourite remains the pufferfish which we tend to take for granted, even though it has a unique and delicate shell structure.
Often artists talk about their art finding its true home and for me that is the most satisfying part knowing that the new owners of this painting are wonderful people. To think that this small sea creature found by chance on the beach is now a large painting that hangs in a house which over looks the ocean. When it was was planning to hold a acoustic session at the studio, it was suggested that I hang the painting behind the musicians as a back drop. The couple who bought the painting were there to enjoy the acoustic session. The music was so beautiful and moving that all the singers and musicians began to interact with the painting which seemed to bring it to life. Although not tangible, I believe the vibes of the music will stay with the painting forever.
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Show/hide commentsI love this artist's work. O'Shea's art is not overwhelmed by his passion, yet the artist's passion is very evident. It is immensely pleasurable the way he captures an essence in a moment, a movement, a personality, that seems utterly pure, beauty at its most raw and perfect.
We brought the painting home without event and very carefully broughtit upstairs to its new home. We had already cleared the space so it knew it was most welcome to be there. Here's the
interesting thing. I know that paintings and artworks always take on a new dimension the more you look at them and the more you become familiar with them. For me, the painting has truly taken on elevated, divine qualities that words fail to express. I feel as though we are being blessed with a higher power and that a cleansing is taking place. It really is remarkable! It is as though the painting has made this place our home and a sacred space and is truly asking of us to be the best beings that we can be. Shawna and Andrew Darch
Sean, your creative talents never cease to both amaze and inspire me. We are SO looking forward to having your piece on our wall. We came home last night and walked throughout the house having this massive discussion as to where it needs to be. Allowing the piece to speak for itself, it shall be centrally located in the main part of the house, overlooking the ocean
Shawna
Howdy Sean, glad to hear you had such a special 50th mate and sorry we couldn’t be there to help celebrate it with you. i just checked out your website again and you have done a fantastic job. i really like the blowfish painting “All Creatures Great and Small” with the embedded cross– it is a very clever and an amazing painting !! congratulations Sean"
Changing shape
This is a remarkable painting because of the immediate effect it has on my emotions. For the first time it visually captures the spiritual life force I believe dwells in all living things. As I look at the image contained within the sea creature it begin as a conventional Christian cross, changing shape as I move back from the painting to become a mysterious shimming figure. For some who see it, the figure will symbolize a godlike image; for me it is an exciting realization of the spiritual entity that resides in us all. It is an outstanding work of art by Sean O'Shea.
Sheridan Stumm
Journalist/Author
Comment:
I'm sure you realize it, but I didn't see the cross at all until it was pointed out. I was only looking at the way the image emanated.
Not sure if you know what I mean because it is an optical illusion, but sometimes when someone is onstage with
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