iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 2h

Burnt Sienna pigment. Such a beautiful rich red….

John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 19h

Monk is always at the edge, between one thing and another, watching old things leave and new things arrive. I understand how that feels. Handmade inks. Handmade papers. All very, very human. #art #minerals #naturalinks #irishartist #contemplative

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Most of my time 'being an artist' doesn't involve creating art. The stuff that makes art possible fills each day. So it's good to start the week with some simple, contemplative art-making. youtube.com/shorts/Mq8__... #art #ink #creativity #artbusiness #homemadeink

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When Coffee & Acrylic met. Did they like each other? #art #ink #creativity #artbusiness #homemadeink

YouTube video by John Britton

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Venetian Red,  Caput Mortuum, Chalk, Charcoal, Sienna, Indian Red. They were layered onto wet canvas and encourage to have a conversation. The result is like a frozen eruption. 'Geology' Homemade mineral inks on canvas 50cm x 60 cm #geology #mineral #art #artforoffices #artcollector

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

I made Burnt Green Earth pigment into ink, then dropped white acrylic ink into it while it was still wet. The periphery is homemade gorse and viridian ink. I may make more of these. DM for purchase details. #art #interiordesign #mineral #contemporaryart #ink #artcollector

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

This is 'Jackdaw' - a grand and fearsome piece that will take control of any room it hangs in. The paper is handmade and it's framed behind art-glass, showing the paper's rough edges, emphasising the raw energy of the piece. It's on my website. #art #artcollector #contemporaryink #irishartist

contemporary ink abstract in balc and yellow, suggesting a fearsome looking bird.

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

I've been mulling on the notion of 'tradition'. It's a lot more complex than we're told. And it's a weapon that's used with great brutality. johnbritton1.substack.com/p/tradition-...?

johnbritton1.substack.com

Tradition - to respect it is to betray it

It’s all a lot more complex than they’d have us believe.....

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

I love handmade artefacts. I love, when I hold something, I know there's a direct human input in it. I love when something has minimal impact on the world. 'Monk Alone' is handmade with handmade ink on handmade paper. It delights me. #sustainability #art #organic #ecological #contemporaryart

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Much of what drives me as an artist is simple curiosity: 'what would happen if I did this and this?' This is a square of home-crafted Burnt Green Earth ink on handmade Indian cotton-waste paper with a drop of acrylic ink. #mineral #ink #art #acrylic #contemporaryart

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

I grew up in nature - a quiet Welsh-speaking rural area. This painting is 'Arc'. Mineral pigments - ochres, umbers - & botanic inks - pomegranate, gorse, turmeric. It's on raw canvas. Making it felt like a gentle conversation with fragments of home. #nature #art #contemporaryart #interiordesign

A swoop of vibrant red ochre paint on a plain white canvas background. The edges are slightly blurred as the paint and canvas interact. Off centre towards the top, a small green and yellow solid circle of botanic ink gives a shape to the overall composition.

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

As we head into winter, the rock beneath our feet is still warm with the heat of the summer. The planet's time shifts slower than the our human minds These circles are Red Ochre, Caput Mortuum, Charcoal, Burnt Umber - with Turmeric and Indigo Alcohol Inks #geology #minerals #ink #contemporaryart

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Here's a new piece - available through my website (link in comments) 'Geology'. 50cm x 60cm Hand-crafted Mineral Inks/Paints on Canvas Framed €800 Burnt Umber, Red Ochre, Yellow Ochre, Green Earth, Venetian Red, Caput Mortuum, Chalk, Charcoal, Sienna, Indian Red. www.fanadart.com/store-portra...

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

I often talk about what I do not as painting, but as a conversation between me, the inks and the surface I'm working on. Here's a prime example of what I mean! youtube.com/shorts/Jcl6F... #art #ink #conversation #creativeprocess #irishartist

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Conversation not painting

YouTube video by John Britton

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Three new inks ready to go to my studio tomorrow. The 2 variants of cochineal will replace inks sold over the summer. The delicate green is an experiment with mixing two of my existing inks - gorse and ultramarine. Such rich colours.... #ink #homemade #art #irishartist #bushmills #northernireland

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

I found a pebble amid the gravel of my drive which seemed promising, and turned it, slowly, into an ink. It's beautiful - a gorgeous, soulful earthy brown. The earth is a miracle. I wish we treated it with more respect. #artisan #irishartist #ink #mineral #art

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

This is a small canvas (20cm sq) with dry mineral pigments (ochres, umbers, siennas) rubbed into it, then home made mimosa ink poured on top. There's highlights made with homemade alcohol-based turmeric ink. It's a very lovely combination of textures. #mineral #ink #artisan #handmade #irishartist

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

For anyone around the north of Ireland.... I'm running a 'painting with inks' workshop The Courthouse, Bushmills on Saturday 26th - a lovely session of focus, creativity, and community. (I'll put the booking link in the comments) #art #ink #causewaycoast #antrim #northernireland #bushmills

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

I'm very much looking forward to running a 'Painting with Inks' workshop at the end of this month. Here's a bit more information about it: www.facebook.com/reel/2843138...

facebook.com

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Another late night ink meditation. I love to make inks from scratch. This is using some charcoal from the back of my wood burner (back in use as autumn deepens and the winds get stronger), and some alcohol ink #ink #homemade #meditation #contemplative #art youtube.com/shorts/7EHlI...

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Charcoal and Alcohol#ink #homemade #artisan #art #abstractart #meditation #contemplative

YouTube video by John Britton

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

"My art is a whisper that contains a roar: a radical quietness embracing the chaotic, volcanic energies of nature and life. I respect tradition but breaks its rules. I repeat patterns but relentlessly experiment. (continued in comment) #art #artbusiness #marketing #branding

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Exploring in my studio yesterday. Four canvas boards. Each covered in a home made ink (Charcoal, Burnt Umber, Caput Mortuum, Red Ochre). Each with first Turmeric, then Indigo alcohol-based inks dropped into the centre. I love how each base layer reacts differently #ink #abstractart #minerals #art

burnt umber ink with turmeric and indigo

caput mortuum ink with turmeric and indigo

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

This is my first experiment with my new Mimosa & Iron ink - spread and scraped onto canvas board. I love the purple hue that's coming through......

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

It was a really rich experience, talking to Aidan as he prepared this article. There are strong links between the work I did as a performer, and the work I do as a painter. Aidan drew those links out and enabled me to see my own work more clearly. I'll put a link to the article in the comments.

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

I've loved making 2 variants on a basic idea. They show Monk on a path - one (3 trees) is on A4 paper, the other (4 trees) is A3. The papers are handmade in India, the inks homemade by me. I am loving the colours..... Both are for sale (£160/£300) #art #ink #bskyart #meditation #monk

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Reposted by John Britton/Fanad Art

db ll @bowiefan8.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

What a lovely article about a lovely man! 🤩

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Today I made two variants of Mimosa ink With Citric Acid & Alum it came out a beautiful copper colour. With Iron Sulfate it's almost black - richly warm and mysterious. Both will offer warm deep tones to pictures as we head to the cold time of year. #ink #homemade #artisan #abstractart #art

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

This is a small abstract I made in my studio last week. The black ink is hand-ground from a Japanese ink stick. The red is a homemade Brazilwood ink It's on an 8" x 8" canvas board. I'm endlessly delighted by the combination of structure and organicity ink offers..... #ink #abstractart #art

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Finally - after nearly 6 months - I got round to framing this. It's earthy and organic, like looking into the heart of a tree or a rock. 'The Fire Within' Homemade Inks on paper handmade in Nepal. 86cm x 64cm £725 (plus shipping) #art #bskyarist #handmade #artisan #interiordesign

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

I made this pure abstract in my studio on Friday. Black ink on canvas board. 16" x 16"(40cm sq.) I called it 'Cityscape' It's a little different to what I often make, growing out of some of the late night ink meditations I enjoy doing (and filming). #ink #bskyart #art #abstract #minimalism

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

My profile on Instagram can seem confusing. So I’m splitting my @fanadart profile on in two. @fanadart will be where I share abstracts: @monk_and_the_art_of_calm will be where I share Monk’s world, and contemplative pieces. I’d love it if you followed both profiles. #art #contemporary #bskyart

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

One of the joys of arriving in the studio the day after working on a painting, is seeing what has happened as it dries. It reminds me I'm not in control - and I love that! #art #abstract #mineral #creativity #interiordesign youtube.com/shorts/Dz50d...

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Arriving in the studio after a day of painting

YouTube video by John Britton

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Today will be spent in my happy place - my studio in Bushmills. First off, rehanging some pictures (these two 'Monk' pictures have just moved to their new place). Later I'm going to settle into making. Today will be an ink abstract day #ink #blueskyart #spiritualart #meditation #contemplativeart

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

This is a big piece I've been working on. 100cm sq. Canvas. The inks/paints are handmade from mineral pigments - green earth, ochre, umber. sienna, iron oxide...... It honours this extraordinary earth, transforming its gifts into something new 'Plan A (there's no B)' #bskyart #artcollector #art

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Reposted by John Britton/Fanad Art

Shui @tigerfire54.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

I thought it was a painting that was very real life like, almost like photography that's what I was saying I didnt know it was really a photograph 😭🙏

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

I doubt I'll ever paint anything as beautiful as these seven geese. I doubt I'll ever imagine anything as beautiful as the gifts I'm given each day for free. The world is very rich. I'm a small thing. #nature #creativity #art #birds #beauty

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Here's a short timelapse video charting the development of a new, large, mineral-ink piece I've been working on. It's called 'Plan A (there's no B)' It's 100cm x 100cm youtube.com/shorts/KEcp7... #contemporaryart #blueskyart #meditation #naturalpigments #mineralink

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The Making of Plan A (there's no B) #art #ecology #contemporaryart #irishartist #noai #antiai

YouTube video by John Britton

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Pushkin is contemplating a new picture I’ve been working on…

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

This sits on a shelf in my studio. So many people pause in front of it. I can hear the tension leave their bodies. The art of calm. #ink #art #calm #meditation #abstractart

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

Today in my studio in The Courthouse Creative Hub Bushmills has mostly been spent painting gentle, contemplative trees using black ink on canvas board. I feel very calm. #ink #contemplative #meditation #art #irishartist

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Very nice to get this framed and on the wall of my studio in The Courthouse, Bushmills Ink on handmade Indian paper #ink #workonpaper #calm #contemplative #meditation

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

It's the last week for the exhibition '...and again' where 'Monk Alone' is showing. It's a spectacular location - the old military base at Fort Dunree, looking across Loch Swilly towards my home in Fanad. Open until this weekend. #art #ink #workonpaper #artexhibition #irishartist #donegal

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Reposted by John Britton/Fanad Art

db ll @bowiefan8.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

It's us. We're the friends being gently watched over by Monk. 😍

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

These two Monk pictures were a commission for a birthday - someone I connected with via Bluesky They arrived in Arizona a little while ago and now Monk watches gently over his new friends. They're homemade inks on handmade Indian paper. #ink #workonpaper #meditation #contemplative #interiordesign

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

I made this in my studio last week and left it to dry. 'Monk Looks West' is hand-ground japanese ink on recycled, tea-stained, cotton-waste paper handmade in India. It's mounted on recycled handmade paper from India. Not framed £245 #art #workonpaper #handmade #meditation #contemplative

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

This is 'Arc'- mineral inks on natural/raw canvas (50cm x 70cm) Burnt sienna, raw umber, burnt green earth, pomegranate, gorse, moss & dandelion. It's for sale via my website. #contemporaryart #naturalink #interiordesign #artforhomes #architecture

contemporary minimalist painting - red earth pigment swoop of coulour with a small botanic ink circle inside. - the circle primarily in green

contemporary minimalist painting - red earth pigment swoop of coulour with a small botanic ink circle inside. - the circle primarily in green. This picture shos the circle in close up, revealing a yellow highlight inside it

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John Britton/Fanad Art @fanad-art.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

I've just added three new ink abstracts to my Washboat site Two are homemade Oak Gall ink - which breaks down beautifully to reveal a rich brown foundation. The third is commercial black ink. All three on rough, indian-handmade, recycled cotton paper. #inkart #bskyart #handmade #artcollector

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