Meet tollkühn Tolkienists with Steady and other crowdfunding ventures: Michael Taaffe

Another edition of Meet tollkühn Tolkienists and this time Irish artist Michael Taaffe was so kind as to answer the Fëanorian Five. 😄

1. Could you introduce yourself in three lines?

I reside with my wife, an artist known as Elmenel (https://elmenel.art/ (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre)), in a picturesque village on the east coast of Ireland, approximately 70 kilometres north of Dublin. ​ By day, I work in the telecommunications industry, and by night, I pursue my passion for art. ​ My artistic journey was reignited years ago when I decided to learn to write Tengwar. ​

2. What are you doing right now?

I am completing a tower-shaped jewellery box adorned with Celtic designs, having already crafted four trays and their corresponding panels. ​ I am now painting the exterior panels and will soon move on to the base and lid. Currently, I am taking a brief respite after the intense period of designing the Westmoot logo. Following this, I will begin creating a series of Tolkien-themed greeting cards for various occasions, incorporating both Tengwar and Latin letters with early medieval Celtic/Anglo-Saxon decorations. These cards will serve as annual rewards for my supporters, inspired by my work on the Tolkien Society Christmas card for 2023. ​

3. How did you come to Steady

I discovered Steady through a recommendation from a friend who frequently uses it for Tolkien-related reporting. ​ After reading a comment on Facebook, I followed the link and explored the platform. ​

4. What are your plans/projects for the future, Patreon and otherwise?

My long-term goal, which I prefer to keep confidential, involves dedicating the next 20 years to mastering calligraphy, drawing 'Book of Kells'-inspired decorations, bookbinding, and box making. ​ Over time, I aim to seamlessly integrate these disciplines into a cohesive artistic practice. ​

5. Would you recommend fellow artists to come to Patreon?

Although I am relatively new to Steady, I would recommend it to fellow artists. ​ The platform facilitates a deeper level of interaction with a community of supporters and allows for the sharing of exclusive rewards and work-in-progress updates. ​ It is user-friendly and easy to manage. ​ Unlike social media platforms that prioritize shareholder profit over user experience, Steady ensures that each new post is directly emailed to supporters, enhancing engagement and visibility. ​

Optional: What does Tolkien mean to you?

Tolkien has had a profound impact on my life, extending beyond my artistic pursuits. ​ His work has been instrumental in forming meaningful relationships, including meeting my wife, whose admiration for his work is even greater than mine. ​ Despite our distinct cultural backgrounds, Tolkien's world provided a common foundation for our connection. ​ Additionally, through Tol Rhiw, I have forged friendships that lead to regular gatherings in Dublin. ​

Each reading of Tolkien's work reveals new insights, and seeking answers within his texts often uncovers further questions, deepening my engagement. ​ I am captivated by the intricate world he created, from the customs and writing systems of various peoples to their histories, myths, and legends. " ​The Lord of the Rings" is particularly compelling, I love how the story progresses from a serene depiction of the Shire and the simple lives of Hobbits, interweaving its different threads, creating tension and a perfect release each time, all the while building, building up to the most intense moment at Sammath Naur and the tear-inducing “Field Of Cormallen”. Tolkien's storytelling mastery evokes the whole gamut of emotions

Moreover, Tolkien's wisdom has been a source of strength during challenging times. ​ One of my favourite quotes, “...despair is only for those who see the end beyond all doubt. ​We do not,” has provided me with resilience on numerous occasions. ​

Visit Michael’s Steady

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