From the Top Deck of the Bus

Driftwood Editions is an independent publisher producing limited editions of work they find interesting worldwide. It is an ongoing colloboration between ourselves and photopgrapher Rich Gilligan. For this edition we published a body of work from painter Carl Hickey. This series of paintings were originally painted by Carl for his degree show exhibition in 2022. Subsequently photographed by Rich and re-published eventually in book form.

Carl’s paintings provide an intimate, often raw perspective on life in Dublin, capturing moments of urban mundanity, absurdity and fleeting beauty. His work is rooted in observation—whether scenes of overlooked streetscapes, familiar neighbourhood haunts, or quiet personal spaces. Through textured brushstrokes and muted, melancholic tones, Carl explores themes of belonging, isolation, and the shifting identity of the city. To echo this sense of engagement, each edition features a signed print taped to the cover, giving the viewer the choice to detach it and experience the artwork beyond the book itself.