Let's Talk About The Arts

Laura Sheerin is someone that I have admired for a long time. I've been most familiar with her work as a director and a videographer, and her work would regularly inspire me to think about the work I want to produce.

When I would meet her, through friends, at events, at the theatre, she emulated a regal and powerful energy that always drew me towards her.

When I gave pole dancing a try, Laura was one of the people I followed to feel motivated and inspired by the rigorous work that came with the craft. And when I shared a little part of that journey she was one of the first to comment and celebrate my attempts.

I knew I wanted to get Laura on the podcast for a long time, and although I make sure to never have any expectations of how my guests will show, I was so looking forward to spending this time with Laura and getting to know the processes, the thoughts and the approaches to who I viewed as a powerful artist on the scene.

Laura is open, honest, creative, intelligent and magical. She shows all these qualities in this episode as she very graciously shows many facets of who she is through talking about her art and all the elements that have inspired the artist she is today.

At the start of this interview, Laura was an artist I would aspire to be like; multi-faceted, deeply connected and intellectual. After this interview, that all remains, along with the admiration for her story and why she is the powerful creative she is.

@laurasheerin_ie

@fearghc

@letstalkaboutthearts

It was 6.30am, I arrived with my new boxing gloves hanging over my shoulder, barely awake, ready to punch a bag, skip my worries away and destroy my core...

This was the setting for my first meeting with this week's guest; actor, writer, fitness coach and adventure seeker Fionnuala Gygax.

I remember telling Fionnuala about Let's Talk About The Arts in one of these early morning boxing classes, but it wasn't until we were both in back to back shows at the Abbey Theatre (a dream for us both) that I pinpointed her to be a guest.

I loved this chat and getting to know the girl who use to take me on in the "ring". We discussed how you actually pronounce her unique surname, her start as an actor, how acting has developed into other artistic outlets and passions, her theatre dad, taking back her power to create and her other big love; fitness...

Enjoy! x

@fionnualagygax

@letstalkaboutthearts

@fearghc

Inspired to chat to photographer, dancer and fashion icon José Galang on this week's episode.

We explore so many topics around the themes they brought for their scrapbook, including cooking, loving yourself, movement and so much more.

I was left feeling truly moved and inspired by someone who captures so much of what it means to be an artist.

@cococholo

@arman.jose.galang

@letstalkaboutthearts

@fearghc

Hello again,

It's been a while, but I'm so excited to be returning with some more conversations from an array of amazing artists.

I couldn't be happier to kicking this comeback off with the wonderful and über talented opera superstar Niamh O'Sullivan.

Niamh has been one person who has been on my hit list to be a guest for LTATA for quite some time, and I'm so delighted she was up for coming in and chatting.

We are doing things a little different this time around, but still focusing on all things artsy. I have asked each artist to create their own artist scrapbook (metaphorically). On each page they reflect on a different topic in relation to themselves as an artist.

Loads of gorgeous conversations coming your way and I'm giddy to share them.

I want to give the biggest shout out to Kate and The Dean Arts Studios. Kate has kindly allowed me to record these episodes in the heart of Dublin at the Dean Arts Studios. Back in the day, the building was The Conservatory of Music and Drama, and a wee little tenor from Dublin (it's me, I'm talking about me) attended this college. We recorded the episodes in the hall where I would have done my final year recital. It was really cool to be back in the very vibrant building and I will be thanking Kate and The Dean Arts Studios again and again over the next series of episodes.

For now, Enjoy the gorgeous Niamh O'Sullivan.

@letstalkaboutthearts

@fearghc

@niamhosullivan.mezzo

It's the final episode of 2022, and I couldn't be happier that it was with Ciaran Gaffney, the founder of storytelling night Seanchoiche.

Ciaran, or Gaff as he is more commonly known, has created the most special space in Seanchoiche where he has shown people that everyone can be a storyteller. I had only met him briefly in the past, and at the time wasn't aware of the talent, artistry and soul this person had. 

In this episode, he shares a story he wrote in his Leaving Cert English paper, how his grand uncle was a massive inspiration and mentor, and speaks about the passing of his cousin and how her legacy lives on in how he chooses to live

Hope you enjoy!

@_gaff_

@fearghc

@letstalkaboutthearts

Queer style icon, dance teacher extraordinaire and all round great human being PJ Kirby joined me for this episode of Let's Talk About The Arts. 

I was really looking forward to learning more about the artistry and identity behind this open and generous soul. 

PJ chats about setting up his own hip hop dance crew in his teens, his love for both the Queer and Irish community and shares a quote which has helped him follow the path which has most aligned with him. 

@pj.kirby

@fearghc

@letstalkaboutthearts

Another guest who has sat on my wishlist for way too long, and I was so happy that he agreed to come chat with me about his art, his activism, being a multifaceted artist and gender expression. 

Luis also flipped the script and asked if he could live his podcast fantasy and give me a mini interview in the middle of the episode, which I wasn't expecting but grateful for a space he opened up for me. 

@luisnoguera

@fearghc

@letstalkaboutthearts 

I was delighted to be joined by soprano Deirdre Masterson to hear all about the making of her most recent album 'Mo Chroí', her upcoming concert with The Celtic Tenors on the 26th of November at St. Ann's Church on Dawson Street and the importance of staying connected to who you are as an artist.

@deirdremastersonsinger

One thing I try to do as an artist is find new activities to make me feel like a complete beginner again. One of those experiences this year was pole dancing. I did a 6 week introductory course at The Irish Pole Dancing Academy (with the plan to go back at some point), and got introduced to one of their amazing instructors Guillermo Rodriguez. 

This man was so inspiring to me as I attempted to swing off a pole and is a beacon of joy and support to anyone who shows up to the studios. 

He is also one of the most kindest, giving and open artists I have got the pleasure to get to know. 

This chat was a privilege as I got to know a lot more about his journey and how he became the wonderful human being and unique artist he is. 

@avatarguille

@fearghc

@letstalkaboutthearts

It was such a pleasure to sit down with dancer, choreographer and creative director Arthur Gouroulian. 

Arthur has the most inspiring outlook on life and I loved hearing his stories about how he carved out a career without expectation and the support of his mother allowed him to achieve anything he put his mind to. 

@gourounlian

@fearghc

@letstalkaboutthearts