Artist Biography
Originally born in the USA, I grew up in Ireland. I
had an early interest in drawing, cartooning and space art (outer space scenes),
but career wise I moved into the computer software field. This included working
in the UK and the USA, in addition to web-design on a part-time basis. I
completed on a part-time basis 2 years of a 4 year degree programme in Business
Information Systems in the USA but did not complete as I moved back to Ireland
after an unsuccessful business start in web design and internet adult entertainment.
I sought to move into more creative areas such as web design, writing, and
3D/gaming on a part-time basis during a career break. I decided to go back to
college as a mature student to complete my degree. After applying to the Cork
Institute of Technology for Multimedia, Business Information Systems and
Computer Applications, I was offered a position on the Computer Applications
degree programme (later renamed to Software Development). I accepted the
position in 2002 and graduated with honours in 2006. During my final college
years I developed an interest in photography and art as a hobby. I decided to
explore this area more after graduating with the possibility of starting my own
business creating and selling my works on a part-time to full-time basis. The
aim is to create
inspiring, popular and magical art for sale, making both the creation and
viewing of the art a positive fun experience while enjoying the financial
rewards in the process. The art form includes digital 2D/3D media, photography,
acrylic paintings (in addition to cards of the art). Art forms created are for
both aesthetic (ie Fine Art) and commercial (or utility) reasons. Specific
pieces will be created as fine art only.
I intend to grow this into a full-time business in
Cork city to support my continued art output with the future possibility of
hiring others to help with marketing/sales, exhibitions and other business
areas.
My photography is mainly outdoor scenery and
animals with recent exploration in female modelling photography.
Some digital and acrylic art to date includes art for kids and teens
involving great detail and brilliant colours. Some of the art involves
hidden items to be found with the idea of making the art fun and getting the
younger age group interactively involved. All digital art has been created using standard paint
program techniques (i.e. paint brush, smudge techniques, lighting etc). All
detail has been created completely from scratch (without modifying photos or
other techniques, the idea being to learn how to accomplish this using light,
colours, perspective and effects taken from the real world). I enjoy creating
art for others to enjoy.
I have had some exhibitions over the last 2 years, including the Patrick Street
Gallery Cork city, Bread & Butter Gallery Fermoy, Princes St. Unitarian Church Cork
city,
Public library Grand parade Cork and Bishopstown library in Cork city. I have also sold art at the park in Fermoy and
cards of the art at some retail outlets in Cork city.
I wish to continue to be involved in artistically creative areas as I feel it nurtures and encourages the creative/entrepreneurial spirit. I consider artistic creativity and a strong entrepreneurial spirit to be my major characteristics. I am always seeking new and wonderful life experiences. I also believe that it is important to be involved in the arts (especially visual) as it allows us to appreciate on a deeper level the beauty that surrounds us in nature every day. I also have a strong interest in the metaphysical/spiritual area with a belief in continued spiritual growth towards greater happiness and well being.
Daniel Cregg 2009