Local artist’s commissioned work now aboard LÉ Samuel Beckett
For those aboard the Irish Navy’s flagship, the LÉ Samuel Beckett, a piece of home will always be brought with them as they sail on the high seas, as the work of one local artist now hangs in its passageways.
Last year, Gerard Harris was commissioned to create an artwork for the offshore patrol vessel to mark the Irish Navy’s 75th year anniversary.
“They were looking for somebody local, as the LÉ Samuel Beckett ship is based in Haulbowline near Cobh, so I was contacted and asked to do the piece. I was delighted. It’s a big opportunity as I’m possibly the first person to have a commissioned artwork on the ship, and it’s an even bigger privilege,” Mr Harris told The Avondhu.
Living near Conna, the local artist is known for his work in illustration, graphic design, as a picture book author, and more recently, for his poster creations. Readers are likely to recognise his work, as over the last 2 years, Ger has also undertaken the artwork for the cover of TheAvondhu’s Christmas publication ‘By the Fireside’.
After discussing the commission with Chief Petty Officer Joe Costello, they came to the conclusion that the piece should depict President Michael D. Higgins and the First Lady Sabrina Higgins, on board the LÉ Samuel Beckett when it last visited New York in 2019.
“We thought it would be one of the nicest things to do. A lot of the crew on the ship would have memories of that day as well, so it would be a more well-rounded piece and it makes it more personal to them,” Mr Harris explained.
The commissioned piece sees President Higgins and First Lady Sabrina onboard the majestic ship, with the New York Skyline depicted in the background.
It also follows the format of the poster style pieces Mr Harris began working on during the first lockdown, a collection which now features depictions of several local places, significant landmarks as well as alternative movie posters.
Using the modern technique of digital art, Mr Harris created a piece to compliment and reflect the modern design of the LÉ Samuel Beckett.
POST-COVID PRESENTATION
Recently, the local artist made it to the ship with his family to present the artwork to Executive Officer Jason Croke, Chief Petty Officer Joe Costello and other naval personnel in attendance on the day.
“We had to wait until restrictions eased before we could present it to them. We went on board the ship and the lieutenants, officers and crew came down and we had coffee and cake with them.
“They were very welcoming. They made us feel very at home and they even gave us a tour of the ship,” Mr Harris said.