Written by Matt Landers
RIP Eamon Barling, my dear old friend and colleague.
A true creative artist specialising in lighting design and operation, he worked across many live music venues in Sydney but also toured with artists across Australia and overseas.
He was the lighting and creative collaborator within the Oxford Art Factory in the early days and for many years he set that venue apart and made it the space is it today.
Eamon’s knowledge of the creative arts world was truly impressive. Music, art, film, animation, theatre, fashion and comedy. I lost count of how many times we watched Pink Floyd PULSE or some random NIN strobe YouTube videos.
He lived for creativity, loving and supporting so many bands and artists with a passion. He had many different projects he worked on including a TV animation show while being based in LA for a period and also years working in the Australian film industry where he was also involved with the Sydney film festival.
Eamon had a huge heart and was so outgoing and generous. He was the first to offer support and unfortunately someone that often didn’t accept support in return.
His health in recent years declined rapidly due to alcohol addiction and its terrible side effects on his body.
You can’t reminisce about Eamon without mentioning his sense of humour. He was always one to boost morale and loved a good lol until the very end.
He’ll be missed far and wide. I’m sure he’s setting up some festoon lights wherever he’s landed and printing some laminates for everyone.
This picture is from the Covid lockdown times sneaking in a socially distanced rooftop hang.
Left to right: Daniel-Joseph Gordon, Eamon Barling and Matt Landers