Salvatore Fullam (Salvatore of Lucan) is a painter based in Lucan. When asked where he was from he always said Lucan and thus adopted it as him name. Salvatore is an Irish-Bangladeshi painter who produces autobiographical scenes of domestic life. Having graduated from NCAD in 2016, Salvatore now operates out of La Catedral Studios.

Salvatore in his Studio. Photo taken by Ishmael Claxton

Where did you spend lockdown?

I spent lockdown between my girlfriend Maija’s house and the studio. 

Did you have access to a studio during this time? If not, how did you continue to create work?

I was lucky to have access, I live in Lucan with my Ma and Nanny and I would have gone a bit mad not being able to paint and being stuck out there. 

Can you talk through your art making process?

Generally I pick a scene like, my ma watching the TV or me in the pub and I think about it and usually end up somewhat confused. Then I try to compose the picture to a point where it feels to me like the experience of the actual event. Before I start detailing, I take pictures and sometimes paint from life to get the details. 

Process shots of ‘My Ma Healing Me’

Did you experiment with any new materials or methodologies?

I’m always tyrna find new paints and mediums but I do pretty much exclusively use oil on canvas. But I think there’s a lot to explore there, so I don’t get too bored. And how I make the paintings in terms of process, in general I like to spend a lot of time on the concept and composition and then just try my hardest to do that justice when I paint. I have experimented with just painting without thinking but it’s hit and miss.

Given the limitations and restrictions of the last few months, did your art making process change at all?  If so, do you think this will continue to change how you will make art going forward?

To be honest my art making hasn’t really changed because of lockdown but I have been trying to change a bit lately anyway. Tryna make the paintings a bit more lush with texture. 

Did you have any projects during this time that went ahead?

No. Everything kinda stopped and I was delighted to only be focusing on the studio results rather than getting ready for shows. 

Do you have any upcoming projects?

I should have a solo show in 2021 and I’m gonna be in a good group show called ‘On Belonging’ in The Library Projects by Basic Space. That’s been postponed to Feb 2021 I think, not sure. Keep an eye out for it anyway.

All photographs were provided by Salvatore Fullam unless otherwise stated. To see more of Salvatore’s work visit his Instagram.