Now is the second winter of our discontent… As the impact of the Pandemic continues to cast a shadow, we look back on days of yore from our 2017 archive, when we approached a selection of illustrators with the simple brief of encapsulating what Christmas means to them, asking them for a one line explanation of their contribution and a summation of Christmas to them in three words or less. As you can see these 12 illustrations capture the humour, anxieties and staples of the season, with many as relevant today as they were in the ‘before times’.
The lead up to Christmas is an overwhelming bombardment of stimuli. Our time and concentration levels are tugged in competing directions; there’s friends to meet, colleagues to socialise with and presents to purchase. And that is for those of us in the fortunate position to be able to do so with some modicum of focus.
Illustration is something I’ve always held dear since my time with Le Cool where we provided a platform to this constellation of talent in our midst. It is with this starting point that we approached a selection of illustrators with the simple brief of encapsulating what Christmas means to them, a one line explanation of their contribution and a summation of Christmas to them in three words or less. As you can see these 12 illustrations capture the humour, anxieties and staples of the season.
Fuchsia McAree’s Home Home has a particular personal resonance as I always board that train for home weighed down with gifts and trinkets, exhausted from the preceeding days (of partying) and ready to breathe to a sigh of relief once the door shuts. Inevitably the train will be rammed and I’ll be sitting between carriages on that foot spa my parents will never use but I know I’m on my way home to those I love dearest. I’m sure you’ll have a glint of recognition from these illustrations also. I want to wish a heartfelt thanks to all who contribute to making this magazine a celebration of our city and an embodiment of the spirit of us. Nollaig Shona Duit
Michael McDermott, December 2017
Brian Coldrick – Christmas Shopping
The frenetic joys of last minute present hunting
Back in town!
Eoin Whelehan – NO CATERING!
My illustration celebrates that most covert of Christmas traditions – the late night (post pub) fridge raid…
Home
John Rooney – XMAS MOVIES
There’s references to my 21 favourite Xmas movies contained within. Don’t expose it to bright light, get it wet or feed it after midnight.
Bah Humbug
Sally Caulwell – Decorations from childhood
As a kid, I loved when the big cardboard box of decorations came down from the attic. Everyone rifling through, looking for their favourites. Green felt christmas trees covered in sequins, funny little wooden santas, seventies baubles with hand painted patterns, fake pine cones covered in snow. These are a few of my favourites from childhood.
Hibernating!
Fuchsia McAree – Home Home
Waking up hungover on Christmas Eve, throwing things in a million bags, running to Heuston Station, feeling relief when you set foot on the train and maybe sleeping for a few hours before you face your family.
Emigrant, pals, home
Lauren O’Neill – Yippee Ki-Yay, Ya Filthy Animal
This is a tribute to the amazing silliness of Christmas films, and the fact that Home Alone is basically Die Hard for kids.
Family Movie Nights
Magda Cwik – Little Christmas Dream
Children feel pure joy and the spirit of Christmas best. Let’s bring attention to the small things, which makes every Christmas unique, full of joy and magical.
Joy, Family, Spirit
Gav Beattie – Nesting
Elf
Clara Dudley – The Senses of Christmas
Christmas is a rich menagerie of scent, taste, and texture that accompany a warm and reflective time with our loved ones.
Community, Flavor, Reflection
Ruan van Vliet – I’ll Be Home For Christmas
This goes out to anyone struggling to bring Christmas cheer to their cramped living space this year.
Bittersweet, Gravy, Cans
Dave Darcy – Sprout to the Top
I wanted to give some props to a christmas underdog; sprouts. Also, I like puns.
Grogans, Pals, Family.
Steve McCarthy – 40 feet of mayhem
Jumping into the sea, height of winter, Whiskey after, with hundreds of other nutters. Nothing better.
Mayhem
