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Taking a gander at "A Wee Dander" painting exhibition by Killyleagh artist - Duxy Leahy (October 2023)

In this episode of the Down about Down Podcast, Chris is in conversation with talented Killyleagh artist, Darren 'Duxy' Leahy who has his latest works of arts displayed at the prestigious Saint Patrick Centre, located at 53A Market Street, Downpatrick.

Duxy has named his latest exhibition - "A Wee Dander" and he describes the display as "Places I'm going and things I have seen. Walks I took part in and places I've been."

The paintings on display portray a number of local scenes, both from the countryside and seasides. You will instantly recognise many local places of interest including Downpatrick Cathedral, Saul Church and Struell Wells. You cannot fail to notice an unnamed figure out for a stroll in some of the paintings. Duxy refers to him as "the dandering man." There may well be a likeness to the artist, but he refuses to be drawn on this! Some time ago it was suggested to Duxy that he should put a figure into the paintings, but he admits that he struggled with figure painting at that time. " When you are teaching people to do art, and the mindfulness art classes that I do, you tell people to step out of their comfort zone. That is how you learn. I wasn't doing it myself," he told Chris. After a rethink, it was time to overcome that struggle, and the dandering man appeared on the canvas.

Despite having a number of exhibitions under his belt, Duxy still finds the experience a little nerve wrecking. "It's a little bit nerve wrecking, but an honour to have paintings hanging in the galleries where a lot of great artists have displayed their works."
Duxy believes that a little bit of self doubt is grounding. He has spoken to Chris about this on a number of occasions in previous podcasts. Earlier in his career, he had always dreamt of having an exhibition but he felt that his paintings were not up to standard. "I thought my paintings weren't good enough and I wasn't worth it. There was a time when things in my life had slipped very badly and I had reached my lowest point." Duxy sought help for his severe depression and anxiety and he managed to change his life around, continuing his journey in a new direction.

In this podcast, Duxy shares some valuable words of wisdom with the listeners. "If you can change one thing in your life, change it. It will lead to other thins changing."

The beauty of our surrounding County Down countryside is captured perfectly by the brushstrokes of one of her talented sons.

The exhibition continues at the St. Patrick Centre, Downpatrick throughout the month of October. Do call in and support home grown talent!

For further information on Duxy's work go to his Facebook page (My Gallery. Duxy Leahy) - https://www.facebook.com/Duxyartgallery

For details on The Saint Patrick Centre go to - https://www.facebook.com/friendsofsaintpatrickcentre

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify