Meet Fahan Sky McDonagh | Glass artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Fahan Sky McDonagh and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Fahan, tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community? What sets you apart from others?
What sets me apart from others–I keep showing up. My career is unique because I chose a difficult field and raised a child at the same time. I know many people have done this, but I did not feel I could have the security I needed to provide for my daughter without keeping a full-time job. So, making my work has always been a side job. Meanwhile, I made production glass or designed and created as a ghost artist. No matter what, I have stayed in my field. I can honestly say that I have learned so much more from making glass for others, than I would have on my own. I have access to materials and equipment I could never have had on my own. I also have found it to be a source for opportunity. Production has had a very positive impact on my work.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First stop, Sunset Beach for a wonderful sunset view over the Gulf. Next, a kayak tour through the Weedon Nature Preserve in the Mangrove Tunnels. Follow that with Peruvian style tapas and drinks at Ceviche on Beach drive overlooking Straub Park and the bay. Happy hour at the Tiki bar at the top of the St. Petersburg Pier is the best view back at the city. I think Ft. Desoto is next on my favorite place list to fly kites while standing in the shallow lapping waves at the bottom of the peninsula. The ArtWalk in the Warehouse Arts District happens on the Second Saturday every month. This event engages viewers with spectacular art, demonstrations, music, performance, etc. Next up, Buya Ramen for Crispy Duck Soup. They have great cocktails, good wine list and killer food. To add some culture, we have so many museums, I recommend a visit to the Imagine Glass Museum and The Craft Museum. If there’s time, jump on a boat for one last sunset from the water or swim in the bay with the dolphins. That would be one action packed visit to St. Petersburg.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
In the thirty years of my career, I have been lucky to have worked with so many top professionals in my field. My shout out is dedicated to the Glass Art Society. Within this community, I have made connections, shared ideas, and expanded my work exponentially. I attend conferences all over the country where I learn something new each time. I walk away inspired to jump back in the studio and try to make another dream come true. Some of these artists have helped me through hard times, grief and loss, instability in my career, etc. They cheered me on when I needed it most. I have created lifelong friendships with other glass artists as people and shared my heart with them. The Glass Art Society is the catalyst for so many of my personal and professional “big moments”. I am deeply moved by the impact this small group of glass artists have had on me and the world.

Instagram: @fsmcdonagh

Facebook: @fsmcdonagh

Image Credits
Zack Shepard Elizabeth Lamark