Lot 67: Orla Walsh - Think, Dream, Believe. Part of the Electric Dreams Collection

"‘Electric Dreams’, We all have a tiny balloon of happiness inside us. It is what lifts us up. Actually science says it will make you happier just looking at one. I believe that wholeheartedly. They bring happiness to everyone, It reaches deep into our minds and releases endorphins in the brain, making you feel fabulous. The Aztecs though in the 1300 created balloon sculptures out of cat intestines to present to their gods as a sacrifice. Not great for the cats!. Anyway I was inspired to create the series of paintings by this Walt Disney quote Think, Dream, Believe. It just shouts balloons to me and I was obsessed with Disneyland when I was a child. My first visit was on my Honeymoon and it was even better than I dreamt. This painting was the first one I created and it took weeks to paint the reflections. I loved ever single one. When people hear the name of balloons, they anticipate a happy moment to come which makes them feel extremely happy from within. ... For ages balloons have been like the spirit for any kind of celebration as it makes the atmosphere colourful and happy. Just in case you need this information for a pub quiz the first rubber balloons were made by Professor Michael Faraday in 1824 for use in his experiments with hydrogen at the Royal Institution in London."

60.9 x 60.9cm

Acrylic on Box Canvas

"Orla was first spotted selling her ketchup painting on St. Stephens Green in Dublin by the corporate lawyer from Heinz Ireland. At first she was told to remove the paintings from the railings and that she was infringing copyright. The lawyer Richelle Mc Carthy, took her details and got in touch a few days later. Heinz had loved the paintings and bought the first 6 paintings for the their World Head Quarters in Pittsburgh USA where they still hang proudly today. Her use of bright and bold colours, stand-out text and iconic products have allowed her to catch the attention of some very influential people over the years and grow her popularity. Her work has depicted some of the world’s favourite brands such as Guinness, Jacobs, Coke Tayto and Converse earning her the title of one of the leading artists in pop culture where her work is part of public and private collections throughout the world. Each image that Walsh chooses resonates deeply with her. There is no random selection of product. In this Series She draws on her own life for inspiration and in particular the 1970’s. The Sunday Times Pop Down Memory Lane with Ireland’s Andy Warhol.. Patrick O Donohue Irish Independent Heinz means deals for ketchup artist Andy Warhol did it with Campbells soup tins and now Irish Artist Orla Walsh has turned the humble Heinz ketchup bottle into an iconic form of pop art Irish Examiner Tea Bags Add to successful pop art brew. Queen of the Irish Pop Scene Orla Walsh The Irish Times Magazine Orla Walsh’s depictions of iconic brands such as Tayto, Heinz and Guinness are gaining an international following The Irish Times Magazine Home is where the art is.. In the frame Artist Orla Walsh Sunday Times Yankee Doodles for Irish pop artist Walshes first Heinz painting nearly led to legal strife Sunday Independent An Artists own Brand Orla Walsh has created some highly distinctive works of art IMAGE Magazine POP-tastic Orla Walsh Who needs Campbells soup anyway? IN Magazine Orlas rise to success is as charming as her artwork Womans Own Heinz has teamed up with pop artist Orla Walsh to design limited edition bottle jackets for their new Tomato Ketchup with Chilli Irish Daily Star Bressie shows sweet side getting behind Blooms cupcake camp with pop artist Orla Walsh"