RTE The Business Interview
04/03/2026
On the Air: Discussing the Business of Art with Áine Kerr on RTÉ Radio 1
On December 6th, I had the privilege of joining Áine Kerr live on The Business on RTÉ Radio 1. As a flagship national programme with a massive listenership, it was the perfect platform to discuss the evolution of my work and the release of my fourth book, HEADLANDS.
A Personal Return to the Southwest
The conversation opened on a personal note, reflecting on my thirty years in Kenmare. While I’m often identified with the rugged landscapes of the Southwest, Áine and I discussed the reality of making a life here. It wasn’t just a move for the scenery; it was a move toward a different pace of life. That deep-rooted connection to the community and the land in South Kerry is the foundation upon which my entire professional practice is built.
From the Picture Desk to Coastal Stillness
We touched on the significant shift in my career path. While many assume I was behind the lens during my time in the Dublin media world, my role was actually focused on the leadership and strategy of the industry. I spent years running a busy picture desk at a sports photography agency, later developing a very successful commercial department within the firm.
Crucially, the success of that commercial department afforded me a rare luxury: the time and stability to keep working on my own personal landscape photography. It was during those years that the seeds for my current work were sown. I wasn’t just a spectator of the industry; I was learning the business of imagery while protecting the space needed for my artistic development. Today, that high-pressure environment has been replaced by the patient, meditative process of waiting on a headland for a specific quality of light—a transition from managing split-second deadlines to capturing coastal silence.
The Kenmare Gallery: A Global Reach
A significant part of our discussion focused on the physical home of my work—the Norman McCloskey Gallery in Kenmare, County Kerry. Over the last ten years, the gallery has evolved from a local space into a global hub for fine art photography.
We discussed the specialized nature of selling limited edition photographic prints, where each piece is a carefully crafted investment for the collector. It is a source of great pride that these windows into the Irish landscape are now exported to collectors all over the world. Whether it’s a large-scale piece heading to a home in New York or a limited edition print destined for Sydney, the gallery serves as a bridge between the raw beauty of the Beara Peninsula and a global audience that values authentic, high-quality Irish art.
The Evolution of ‘HEADLANDS’
A central theme of our discussion was my move away from the “postcard” aesthetic. After three decades, I find myself drawn less to the famous vistas and more to the textures, moods, and quiet corners of the Irish coast. HEADLANDS is a culmination of ten years of this focused exploration. It’s an invitation to the viewer to see the edge of our land not just as a landmark, but as an experience of atmosphere and silence.
The Reality of Self-Publishing
We also pulled back the curtain on the logistical side of being an independent artist. Self-publishing a book of this scale is a daunting commitment. I spoke candidly about the transition from photographer to “distribution manager”—currently navigating the influx of pallets and the hands-on process of ensuring every book that leaves the Kenmare gallery meets the highest possible standard. It is a massive undertaking, but one that ensures the work remains an authentic reflection of my vision.
A sincere thank you to Áine Kerr and the team at ‘The Business’ for the invitation to share my story on the national airwaves.
Listen to the full interview from the December 6th broadcast here: Norman McCloskey on RTÉ Radio 1 – The Business
The ‘HEADLANDS’ book is available now via the online shop and in person at the gallery in Kenmare.
