A young East Galway artist is bringing a rare skillset of statue restoration to Churches and Church grounds across Ireland – and making a name for himself as a highly gifted commissioned artist in the process.

Loughrea-based Ethan Moran is an entirely self-taught artist. And while it’s only one of many strings to his bow – his formal skills cover areas as diverse as working as a lifeguard, in First Aid, nutrition and personal fitness, on door security, scuba diving and soon as a qualified fire fighter based out the Loughrea Fire Station – it is his skills as a painter and sculptor that are most in demand.

“There are a huge number of religious statues across the West of Ireland, and what people don’t readily recognise is that many of them have sophisticated finishes which general painters won’t go near” says Ethan.

Sometimes, a statue is missing a hand, or a finger, and once-off casts need to be created and painted to bring these statues back to their former glory.

“Business has been brisk, with religious clients in Loughrea, Ballinasloe and even Tipperary as word of his work has become better known,” he adds.

He acknowledges that setting yourself up as an artist is a brave move for most people.

“It is hard to get work to begin with, but as you receive more work, and the odd commission, your work itself starts to advertise you. People start to ask ‘who did that’ – and inquiries for work come my way,” he says.

“A great break last year was a commission I received to create wall art of the restored Mount Carmel Monastery in Loughrea.

“I created 22 pieces of large wall art, including a massive 15 ft X 6 ft piece for the staircase, and with that, was given a private studio at the Monastery from which to work out of which I have been able to retain.

“Having a studio workshop in the heart of a town like Loughrea is a dream for most artists. I have probably more room than I need in the studio right now and I am open to sharing the space with another artist or painter at some time in the future,” he adds.

Caption: Ethan Moran at work in his studio in Mount Carmel Monastery in Loughrea.

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