As Anáil – Out of Breath
By Derval Dunford
An audio-visual bilingual breath-based exhibition dedicated to my brother, the late John Dunford.
John masterminded Sharon Shannon’s career, and co-produced the iconic Waterboys’ Fisherman’s Blues Album. He also worked with Planxty, Clannad, De Danann, and In Tua Nua.
In 2023 John was the third Dunford brother to die from lung cancer. Tom, another talented creative soul, was only 50yrs of age when he died in 2009.
In 2021 when my brother Steve got his terminal diagnosis, I was invited by Artist David Smith to collaborate on a Zen-influenced ink and breath project. I began playing with ink, then combined breath, Yoga Nidra (deep relaxation), and nature immersion with the ink exploration. Much to my surprise, with no previous art experience, spurred on by David and Mags Duffy, I exhibited my first solo show just one year later. It was dedicated to Steve.
This process allowed my e-motion (energy in motion) to stay in motion, it was a channel for the grief, and an effortless way to experience pure joy.
The same ink e-motion process happened when John died. This exhibition As Anáil – Out of Breath is the end result. The theme is fire and water, a celebration of John’s vibrant life force.
Sun and sea were John's medicine, and a reflection of himself. He had the fire energy inside to bring things to life, and sustain them. He had the water energy to allow things to flow once he had them up and running, he could let go and allow them to find their own way.Â
John was passionate about new ideas, the more they didn’t make sense the more fired up he was. A creative challenge was always welcome.
In Lanzarote shortly after John’s death, fire images arrived outside in the sunshine as I played with ink on rice paper. Later water images arrived on yupo paper, this happened as I worked/played sometimes in studio, but outside as much as possible, by the water at Interface Inagh, in Connemara. Both locations were close to John’s heart. He loved Lanzarote, and visited often, his daughter Katy and her husband Craig live there. John also loved Connemara, and had fond memories of recording Fishermans’s Blues there.
About my work:
Irish Philosopher John Moriarty, and author Manchán Magan have had a huge influence on my wellbeing work and my artwork. Exploring the elements and interconnection fascinates me.
 I have been working in wellbeing for two decades, I have supported over 35,000 people. I produced Ireland’s first commercial mindfulness CD, I worked as breath consultant on Minding Me an RTE jnr children’s series, I’ve worked with HSE, INTO and IPPN. I’m presently part of a team training Breath-Body-Mind teachers with U.S. Phychiatrists Gerbarg & Brown.
 To celebrate my 20th anniversary in wellbeing I am sharing my own process with the world through retreat days by the sea at the beautiful Mulranny Arts centre, and through audio-visual breath-based exhibitions both online and in galleries. https://www.sui.ie/sui-eventsÂ
My hope is that this body of work will be ‘a breath of fresh air’, an invitation to Glac sos, Glac anáil - Take a break, Take a breath.Â
How you can interact with As Anáil – Out of Breath
All of the Irish titles are explained on audio, in English. They can be accessed by clicking on an image and scrolling down.
You may also access a guided water-based breath audio for the water images, and a fire-based breath audio for the fire images.
If you’re in the gallery space audios may be accessed using the QR codes beside the images.
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Exhibition dates:
Book@One, Louisburgh: June 25th – July 19th 2026
Connemara National Park: August 25th – Oct 5th 2026
Westival - Town Hall Theatre, Westport: Oct 28th – Nov 9st
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Go raibh maith agat (thank you) for exploring with me. The direct translation of go raibh maith agat is my wish for you i.e. may good be with you!
