We interviewed Ink Art Competition winner Brian Connolly to learn more about his fascinating art making process, and what he finds captivating about Ink Gin. This would have to be one of our favourite interviews to date. Pour yourself a gin and tonic and read on...

What is your art making philosophy?

It’s wild but I thought about this and the first thing to pop into my head is that I create in order to see and feel more clearly. It helps to dissipate the swirling cloud and daily chaos of life. I believe in creating from the heart and authentic self. The intuitive feelings and experiences that move through me (whether dark or light), spill out into my creative outlet and are nourished with all of the love and deep feeling and deep healing. Deep feeling and deep healing is a big mood right!? Haha. For me and the angels I surround myself with, love is at the root of everything.

What is your absolute dream studio space?

I’m definitely happy to create anywhere that has reduced background noise.. I thrive creatively when I can be by myself with all of my feels, that are just busting to be explored. But if I had to choose the dreamiest of dreamy studios, it would be in an opening in a rainforest, on a hill, beside the ocean, no… in the ocean. The studio is on an upside down hill in a forest under the ocean… amongst the stars. Oh dreamssss.

Favourite playlist whilst painting?

Ahhh I have several playlists which are cycled through depending on my mood in the moment. The common genre is folk/ alternative / moody.. Sometimes songs you can play when you want force those tears out. How cathartic is crying!?

Lately I have been vibing hard with the disco divas.. Donna Summa, Sylvester, Diana Ross but also mixing in meditative music to stay grounded.

One specific album that has been so soothing to my soul is Obsidian by Jonsi.. Some truly transcendent work. The lyrics, sounds and flow of music usually start to weave into the works.

What is it about Ink Gin that captivates you?

I see the world in a full spectrum of swirling colour and so my immediate attraction to Ink Gin was the joy and beauty of the colour and the way the butterfly pea flower allows it to change its hue. Comparably my art and Ink Gin are both a magical swirl of colour and delicious sip of botanical and nature inspired infusions.

If you could have a drink with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

OHHH this is a good one, I immediately thought okayyy… for the ultimate truth and wisdom, it would be the late Baba Ram Dass, the ultimate spiritual gay guru, famous for quotes such as “We are all just walking each other home”. The 1900’s Painter and mystic Hilma af Klint to get a glimpse into her out of this world and forward-thinking mind. Rupaul Charles, creator of Rupaul’s Drag Race… because he’d be the only one from this selection of drink companions that would be alive and not a ghost.. Also because we would ‘spill the tea honey’… or in this case, the Ink Gin… figuratively speaking!

Tell us about what you’re currently working on? What’s happening BTS?

I’m anticipating a trip to Bali very soon, for some Eat, Pray, Love moments but also to start outsourcing help in bringing some fashion/ wearable art ideas to fruition. I won’t give too much away but there’s never a dull moment in the world of Brian Connolly.

What has been your favourite moment of your creative career to-date?

This very moment right now. :)

Favourite Ink Gin cocktail?

The Black Forest Spritz speaks to my soul…

30ml Ink Gin

15ml Crème de Mûre (blackberry liqueur)

Fresh pomegranate

Chilled prosecco

You’re hosting a dinner party, how do you adorn the table? What’s on the menu?

I must say that I love a good pot luck dinner, where all of my angels bring a dish each and you get to explore the diversity of flavour. Fortunately I have friends with phenom culinary skills. I’d adorn the table with candles, palo santo and flowers ( flowers forever and always). In fact the star of the dinner show would be a fresh bottle of Ink Gin with my ethereal design and once we finish that bottle, I would give it a new life cycle by using it as a vase with some beautiful fresh flowers. Pure Magic.

If you, like us are obsessed with this beautiful human being, follow him over on instagram at @brianconnollyart.

A date with 2022 Ink Art Competition winner Brian Connolly.