Introduction
Claire O' Mahony submitted a stand-out oil painting titled "The Birthday" featuring the 40th US President Ronald Reagan with "250" on the frame below him. The artist and painting are surprisingly, deeply intertwined.
Interview with Claire O' Mahony
1. What inspired your submission for this year's "Members and Friends" Exhibition, and were there any particular people, places, experiences or events that influenced it?
My father's first anniversary was December 2025. I painted Ronald Reagan as he told me as my birthday is February 7 and Reagan's the 6th that among his favorite people share the February Birthdays. An old friend of his had a February birthday as well.
2. What led you to choose the medium used for your work? How did it help you express your ideas?
As a little girl my father always thought oil was more Regal so I painted a Regal Reagan.
3. What do you hope viewers take away from your work? Whether emotionally, intellectually or otherwise.
They can sense a bond as well as a distinction. It's not just diplomats that are admired. Reagan had courage for his convictions. I am also independent and perhaps each month does gift us with special traits.
4. Did your original vision for this piece change during its creation? If so, how and why?
I added 250 on the frame as The United States will be 250 on the 4th of July. Meant to be. My father's birthday is also the last day of the exhibition, July 16.
5. Does Ronald Reagan have any special significance in your submission compared to other presidents throughout US history?
I was born in New York and it was during his 2 terms that my father became more engrossed in politics. My father worked extra hard. The boss in one of his jobs in America said "give Jerry O'Mahoney the overtime or give it to 6 Americans". My father said he saw the difference in his pay check under Reagan's office. Reagan put working class people at the foreground. This also gave an incentive for the people not working to work.
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