Web: http://www.engine-rooms.co.uk
Email: info@engine-rooms.co.uk
Tommy McHugh is a former Liverpool builder who, after suffering a stroke some eight years ago was left with an overwhelming urge to create. Having had no background in creativity prior to his stroke, this overwhelming urge, known as sudden artistic output, has dramatically changed the way Tommy now lives his life.
After life saving surgery, Tommy's condition began to reveal itself in a most peculiar way. To his dismay, Tommy found that he was only able to speak if he did so in rhyme. This bizarre and frustrating symptom persisted for three months, only diminishing as he started regaining some motor function, and could therefore write down and expunge these streams of consciousness from his mind. However, this was just the beginning of a journey of creative discovery that Tommy was to make as another symptom of Tommys sudden artistic output is that he is constantly subject to a never ending slideshow of images flashing through his brain.
It was some time later, when Tommys then wife suggested he should try drawing to release the images from his mind. Within minutes of being given pen and paper, Tommy had filled the page with dozens of faces. Most notably, these faces, all distinctly individual, exhibited a surprisingly developed understanding of proportion considering Tommy has had no training in the visual arts.
It has now been several years since Tommy suffered his stroke, and has been learning to live with his condition. He is still bombarded constantly with his own private slideshow, which shows no sign of diminishing. The only way he has found to deal with this obviously distracting symptom is to draw, paint and sculpt the images flashing behind his eyes.
This all but unique way of seeing the world and creating Art has had a distinct effect on the works he develops. As Tommy may begin a piece with a particular image in mind, it is not long before the slideshow takes over and he is compelled to download the images from his head onto the page, canvass or stone. The resulting pieces of art often have a distinctly organic feel as his process of production dictates that each piece necessarily changes and develops throughout its construction. Several pieces also display a somewhat disturbingly frenetic quality, which is suggestive of his constantly changing internal slideshow, whilst others have a much gentler impact on the viewer.
One of only two people on the planet diagnosed with having this condition (the other being an American Jon Sarkin), Tommy has, over the last few years featured in several documentaries and radio shows around the world discussing his condition, his Art and his hopes for the future.
For more information on the Tommy McHugh exhibition please Call us on (01695) 731016.
Web: http://www.engine-rooms.co.uk
Email: info@engine-rooms.co.uk
The Engine Rooms
14 16 Westgate
Skelmersdale
Lancashire
WN8 8DW
Photography:
Gianni Bianchini
Filming & Editing:
Andrew McKee
(C) Copyright AGM Digital Film Productions, The Engine Rooms 2008
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Savant - Tommy Mc Hughby Ekit35721,368 views
I like the art exhibit in the movie Hostel
Reverseflush 1 year ago
Just seen you on Sky news Tommy. Great stuff, well done mate.
Tony201253 2 years ago
Tommy, we wish to meet you. Your work is incredible. Thank you!
fishatendofthepole 2 years ago
eee my dads afro hair there =|
lea09xo 2 years ago
my thanks to andrew mckee,for a great film clip and wonderful help and support engine rooms have and are giving me to show my assorted works. engine rooms are a fantastic friendly family orientated positive force of talent and creativity to share amongst us all as they are doing with music arts , and as i love to let all know what is hidden in my works..as images are there for you to discover..and unlock .tommy mchugh
tommymchugh123 3 years ago
csmainb
The Engine Rooms did a really great job with Tommys exhibition all the guys running the place were very approachable, friendly and had time for everyone a great welcome.
A big hug to Tommy and Francis for inviting me and I'm so looking forward to the next one...
csmainb 3 years ago
Great exhibition, i was there and absolutely loved it!!!!!!
The video was great i liked the music it seemed to realy suit the images :):):) Tommy's a great artist and i love talking to him in person, he is very intresting and has a lot to say
sampassman123 3 years ago