‘You don’t want your art to just be a replica of someone else’s’

Warwick Valley High School junior Finbar O’Connor is an award-winning digital artist.

When he’s not creating intricate illustrations, he volunteers at local events, participating in student leadership groups and supporting his school’s art program.

His most recent digital piece, “Chernobyl Fairy,” earned him a Scholastic Art & Writing Gold Key – one of the competition’s highest regional honors – and recognition at the Orange-Ulster BOCES Humanities Honoree Awards breakfast.

The piece was inspired by a mythical creature from “Finding Faeries” by Alexandra Rowland. While the character isn’t visually described in the book, it sparked Finbar’s imagination and led him to design his own interpretation, blending fantasy with historical tragedy.

“It represents the devastation in Ukraine and its long-term effects in a very literal sense, especially because the damage is happening to a fairy, which is a symbol of innocence,” he said.

Storytelling has always been at the heart of Finbar’s artistic journey.

Pushing boundaries

“Finbar is not afraid to take risks with his art or try new mediums,” Kristen Spano, Warwick Valley art teacher, said. “He rises to each new challenge and completes his work with such pride and attention to detail. He continues to push the boundaries with his art.”

Since receiving a tablet in middle school, Finbar has gravitated toward digital art for its flexibility and precision.

“With digital art,” he said, “you don’t need a paintbrush or water. Everything you need is right there on the screen.”

Each piece Finbar creates often requires hours of attention and revision. He recalls spending the most time on Chernobyl Fairy’s wings, making sure each one had its own unique design.

The cotton field in the background was just as meticulous.

“I had to take it layer by layer, making sure nothing overlapped,” he said. “And if it did, I had to erase it and start over.”

Finbar explained the genetics of his artistic ability.

“Both of my parents have, like, no ability in the arts,” he laughed. “But my grandfather on my mom’s side and my grandmother on my dad’s side could paint, so maybe it skipped a generation.”

What’s next

As a junior, Finbar is already laying the groundwork for his future. He’s completed a pre-college course in Illustration Portfolio at the Fashion Institute of Technology. This summer, he plans to continue his studies with a visual arts course at SUNY Fredonia.Finbar remains involved in community service. Through the Youth Coalition, Youth Advisory Board and Art Club, he volunteers at events like Applefest and helps organize fundraisers for causes that benefit the community.

Art Club holds special meaning, because of the opportunity to support Spano, his art teacher.

“She gives so much of herself to her students and genuinely cares,” he said. “If I didn’t have her in my life, I probably wouldn’t be where I am today. On top of that, she’s just an awesome person.”

From one artist to another

For now, his advice to aspiring artists is simple: Lean into what excites you.

“Whether it’s TV shows, comics, or anything that sparks your creativity, use that to shape your own unique style,” the young artist said. “That’s how you create original work. You don’t want your art to just be a replica of someone else’s.”