Finding The Magic
There is magic everywhere – not only at Christmastime, but always – you just got to know how to look.
I remember way back in the late 70s I saw an 18th century painting called ‘ The Village School ‘ by Jan Steen – permanently hanging in the National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin. I remember my reaction to the cruelty of the scene, and how far education has come in Ireland over more recent centuries.
My reaction was influenced by my wife's aunt, Sr. Carmella, a 'Holy Faith' nun who taught most of her life at the order’s convent school in Dominic Street in Dublin's inner city. Apart from a lifetime of teaching experience, she was devoted and passionate, with a natural gift for teaching. On one of her many visits to our home and studios in Wicklow, I explained that I wished to create a picture, that represented education in Ireland today. She happily agreed to take part in the project. Enter Sandra, who was a 7 year old friend of my eldest daughter and was very familiar with both Sr. Carmela and my studio.
No major set ups or props - just a teacher and a pupil. I got them sitting in the studio and Sr. Carmela requested a book to hold, in order to occupy her hands. (The book she is holding is an old Latin book that was a studio prop.) Within minutes into the 'story' young Sandra's attention was fully engaged, her eyes wide open in wonder, as her imagination takes her into another world of involvement, totally comfortable in the atmosphere created by the passion and experience of her story teller. There, before my eyes and the camera’s lens, the 'magic' was happening. The result - 'Taught by the Nuns ' a photograph in the Irish Photo Art Gallery - O’Doule Originals. That image was made around 1980 - which is irrelevant, as the finished Portrait is pure magic and truly timeless,
To feel the ‘magic’, you have to look for it and be open to the magic, and when you are, the experience is truly magical. It is my absolute wish that you and yours, find a little ‘magic’ this Christmastime.
O’Doule – Dec.21st 2021