Art In Action: Surprising Hidden Artists – Pierce Brosnan
By Darla McCammon and DeeAnna Muraski
He simply said, in his debonair, suave demeanor, “Bond. James Bond,” to introduce himself.
With that statement, millions were hooked into watching Pierce Brosnan portray the international sleuth of the popular James Bond spy thrillers. Sean Connery and Brosnan were the two favorites for most audiences. Now 69 years old, Brosnan was born Pierce Brandon Bosnan in Drogheda in County Louth, Ireland. He has both Irish and American citizenships. His early schooling was in Ireland at a local school.
At age 10, he was moved to London and enrolled in a state comprehensive school located in Putney, South West London. Brosnan, an only child, completed his regular schooling and enrolled to learn commercial illustration in London at the well-known Saint Martin’s School of Art. So, he indulged his early love of art by getting educated in a good place to learn the basics. By the time he was 20 years old, Brosnan indulged his other love and began his training in acting at the Drama Center in London.
As explained in the book “Seven Kinds of Smart,” it is not unusual to find that celebrities have multiple abilities in many of the arts. From art to drama to music, these talented citizens are not limited to one ability but we often find they are skilled in many. You may find yourself in this category also. Brosnan has been no exception. He has won many awards for his acting as well as his art. He was going through a difficult time when he created a work he called “Dark Night” in 1987. He lived in California at the time.
“It was my first painting, painted one dark night up in the Hollywood Hills,” said Brosnan about “Dark Night.” “My wife Cassie had been fighting ovarian cancer for the past year. It was a painful time.”
From this point, Brosnan expanded his art career but continued a very successful acting career as well. Brosnan’s art is very colorful and vivid in most cases and leans toward the abstract side of things. He uses several mediums but tends to use acrylic paints on canvas in most cases. Many of his paintings tell a story and include human figures in all walks of life.
After the death of his wife, Brosnan dated many starlets but eventually married Keely Shaye, a woman with whom he shares passionate views about environmental issues. He also expanded his family, including adopting two step-children. He was well-matched with his new wife, and the two of them collaborated in an award-winning documentary titled “Poisoning Paradise.” This work went on to receive worldwide acclaim and many awards. The couple are also known for their generosity to special causes. nan They donated over $100,000 to completely redo and provide wonderful equipment for children at a playground in Hawaii.
Still, Brosnan’s art work continues to attract an audience as well. His painting titled “Mexico” is a very good example of his style and use of color. One can almost feel the emotion pouring off the canvas. The next time you have an opportunity to watch a re-run of the spy movie starring Pierce Brosnan, make sure you relax and enjoy knowing so much more about this talented artist.