This is an odd one.
I have never previously published this painting of a real hero of mine, the incomparable Irish singer/songwriter, feminist icon and rebel Irish goddess, Sinéad O’Connor.
I never even showed it to Sinéad, just had it photographed by my mate Ronnie Norton then put it safely stacked up in the attic with so many other canvas works and a whole lotta landscapes.
All images are copyright Jim FitzPatrick and may not be republished without permission.
Portrait of Sinéad O’Connor. 2003.
Oil on Canvas. 40” x40”
I do these paintings for myself, I call it therapeutic soul-rinsing.
Many are simply too personal to myself or the subject so I never show them.
I always wanted to one day surprise Sinéad with this when we were all a lot older but it never happened, for all sorts of reasons.
I just hope I did her justice.
#sineadoconnor
Back in the early 2000s when I was working with this inspirational Irish woman I produced a lot of interesting work: photographs galore, drawings and paintings.
I was fortunate Sinéad trusted me and I spent a lot of time with her, mostly discussing Irish myth and legend especially the Irish North African* connection, a subject that held a real fascination for her. Sinéad was a really well-read, educated woman with a very sharp mind.
I spent a day with her in a beautiful country house and recording studio where she was producing a new album ’Sean-nÓs Nua’ with maestro Donal Lunny.
I took many photos of Sinéad, including the cover photo of the album but I really felt I had to record this amazing woman in a more permanent manner so I did this oil on canvas work, essentially, to remember this time and this iconic Irish woman, loved and admired by so many around the world for her honesty, talent and her extraordinary voice.
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Sinéad O’Connor. The personal story behind the works.
I first met Sinéad in the Summer of 1994, I was in a popular nightclub at the time called POD, and I was introduced to her by a mutual friend.
Sinéad looked me straight in the eye with those penetrating eyes of hers and said to me ‘I love your work’.
I was so damn proud at that moment.
This young woman was such a powerful, modern Irish warrior goddess and here she was in front of me, in the flesh.
I knew instinctively Sinéad was referring to my depictions and interpretations of the Celtic goddess.
Her first words to me were so deep and personal I have never forgotten them.
Sinéad said something to me that I will carry to the end of my life with immense pride but also profound sadness:
“When my mother was xxxxxxx out of me I would look at your poster and say to myself: ‘One day I will be strong and powerful like her…. sexy too’ she added with that mischievous smile of hers. Sinéad was all of those things and so much more.
The poster she was referring to was from one of my early poster editions by Dutch art publishers, Verkerke, of my painting of the Celtic Cat Goddess, Palu. Sinéad had it on her bedroom wall, above her bed.
Many years later, after our first encounter, Sinéad asked me to work with her for the first time, on a new single ‘This is a Rebel Song’ and after that, I spent a long time hanging out, working with her, photographing her and drawing her.
I was so honoured to collaborate with Sinéad, this great Irish icon, a truly courageous and highly intelligent Irish woman.
We collaborated on many visuals for her albums and singles but my own favourite was the cover art, front and back, for her underrated and very beautiful 2003 album, ‘Faith and Courage’, a deeply spiritual collection as emphasised by the religious symbolism I included with her blessing.
The cover was entirely my own idea but drawn from her own important religious beliefs which I also shared.
I got the visual idea of ‘divine inspiration’ for this cover from my own school Mass missal and the descriptions of the arrival of enlightenment to the twelve apostles of the Messiah.
Now I look back and think how wonderful that time was while it lasted. It was an occasional, irregular, unpredictable, beautiful, platonic friendship full of fascinating conversion, creativity and fun. It is something I celebrate and have appreciated ever since.
After all, I was previously blessed to work and collaborate with another charismatic genius, my late mate Philip Lynott of Irish rock band Thin Lizzy. He too was an Irish creative singer/songwriter. How lucky was I to have another opportunity to work and get to know this extraordinary Irish creative talent, the raw, powerful force of nature that was Sinéad O’Connor.
July 2023 and a new star has been added to the firmament.
Sinéad has passed onwards and upwards but her immortal soul will lend new life to her music and many, including myself, will celebrate her brave, outspoken, courageous and creative life.
Rest in peace and power, Sinéad, you really were one in a million.
-Jim FitzPatrick July 2023