Do you travel for art and architecture? Here I take you some of the most inspiring buildings which I've had good fortune to visit.
Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal with its enduring love story and elaborate Mughal architecture has appeal on many levels. A trip to India would have been incomplete without seeing its magnificence for myself.
Dedicated by Shah Jahan to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, it took 22 years to complete. Its outer walls are adorned with motifs of embedded precious stones such marble, jasper jade and it's symmetry is superb.
Taj Mahal, completed in 1643, is among the Seven Wonders of the World and is the resting place of Mumtaz Mahal and her husband.
My trip to India inspired the collection 'Indian Heartway' of which 'Ganga Dreaming' is a limited edition print available in my online gallery shop.
I arrived in Sydney, Australia in my 20’s armed with a work-travel visa. Straight off the plane, despite jet lag, I made my way on foot to the harbour to see the fabulous Sydney Opera House. It was magnificent to behold from every vantage point.
I never tired of seeing it throughout my stay. It resembled a ‘living creature’ with its modern out-croppings of gleaming white shell shaped roofs making a striking statement against the deep blue sky.
Designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon, the completed building first opened its doors in 1973. I eventually got a part-time job working in its courtyard restaurant, where I comleted some training as a wine waiter and I even sang a song in its main concert hal
Sagrada Familia
Barcelona, a city with the lasting imprint of an artist who used the entire city as his canvas, I had to see it for myself. Antoni Gaudi (1852 – 1926) an artist with vision, whoose ‘modern’ style is engraved and sculpted on buildings and in parks throughout the city. The church of Sagrada Familia is the main attraction. I was fascinated to learn that the people of Barcelona were still endeavouring to complete the construction according to plans set out by Gaudi so many years ago.
Blue Mosque, Istanbul
The Blue Mosque
I visited Istanbul in the winter just after the turn of the millennium. The Blue Mosque (1609 – 1616) is listed as one of the top tourist sites there and gets its name due to its numerous blue tiles adorning its interior.
There were not many tourists in the winter. It was quiet when I visited the famous mosque. I left my shoes at the entrance and covered up with a head scarf to honour the custom.
The interior was marvellous with decorative domes, carvings and tiles. It was so quiet and still there, certainly conducive to prayer and humility. The room devoid of furnishing, simply a bare carpeted floor for worshippers to kneel and give homage to a higher power.
Linderhof
King Ludwig Bavaria (1845 – 1886) had four castles in total. The one in Neuschwanstein is said to have inspired Walt Disney's fairytale castle. In the late 1990's, I visited Linderhof, where King Ludwig spent most of his time.
Designed in the neo-French Rococo style, Linderhop is the smallest of Ludwig's castles, I walked through rooms decorated in gold from ceiling to floor. Even the garden was a marvel, with water flowing towards the castle from every direction to influence the flow of abundance towards its occupant. Such extravagance I had never seen before.
Nearby in the forest, Ludwig had installed an artificial cave with underground lake, on which floated a chariot style golden boat. There was even an electric generator which ensured the cave was magically lit for the King, who liked to float about in his shell boat, listening to arias performed by invited guests.
Art Inspired by Travel
Art keeps the memories alive which is why I've invested my time in painting my travel inspiration. My trip to India in 2010 inspired the collection 'Indian Heartway'., while travels in Portugal inspired the collection 'My Portugal'.
Add some travel inspiration to your home or workspace by exploring my online gallery of paintings and prints. See something you like, get in touch and make it yours.
Through my art and writing I share stories and inspiration for transformation, healing and dreams turning to reality. When you visit my gallery you glimpse my journey, my authentic path. It took a ‘Break True’ moment to point me towards developing my artistic talents. It’s never too late to make a new start. I’ve achieved a lot in a relatively short time. My work has been presented in New York as part of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, has been displayed on county Post Office and has been show-cased on National TV. Read more about my art journey here.
Testimonials
See what people say about our company.
Multi-talented & Down to Earth
Caroline is a multi-talented artist and one of the most down to earth people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. Her work in reflexology is second to none. She is completely dedicated to the well being of her clients. Caroline’s singing is truly magnificent, and an experience that the world really needs to prepare for.
Fran Malone, Hypnotherapy, Cork, Dublin, Ireland
Tremendously Talented & Authentic Soul
Caroline is an incredible artist, her grace and beauty are reflected in her work which is a real treat. I’ve also had the privilege of witnessing Caroline sing in Hebrew, she is a tremendously talented singer. Caroline is a really authentic soul who is not afraid to be herself and I so admire that about her.
Caroline is a gifted artist with so many additional talents. Caroline’s gift with words offers her readers to travel with her. This is an artist I will be following closely. It was an honour for me to support Caroline in reaching her ‘Fund-It’ target for her art exhibition ‘The Sacred Lives Of Trees’.
Brenda Bergin, Seniorpreneurs Ireland
Renaissance Woman
Caroline has many talents and will be able to write a beautiful poem, paint a lovely picture and even sing at your wedding. Her travel writing stories are captivating. She is certainly a renaissance woman and if you have her to do anything for you she will put her all into it and make sure you are happy with the finished product.
Jackie De Sousa, London, UK
A Great Affinity with Earth & Humanity
I love Caroline’s art which conveys a peaceful, deep understanding of the essence of place, through colours, fluid shapes and perfect light, evoking smell, time of day and her connection with nature.
Read more...
Caroline is also a talented writer, sharing her experiences in an easy to read style. Her honesty and interest in the simple, everyday details and lives of other cultures is compelling and revealing. She shows a great affinity with humanity and the earth we inhabit.
Sinead O’Gorman, Historian & Actress, Wexford, Ireland
A Fund of Talent
In representing the Carlow Association of London at the St Patrick’s Parade in New York in 2015 it was my role to make a presentation to Carlow Association of New York. I wanted something special to show the link between Carlow, New York and London.
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I contacted Caroline by phone a few days prior to the visit & soon the painting entitled ‘Mind the Gap’ was born. It was well received in New York as was her poem of the same title. I cannot recommend Caroline highly enough. She’s a fund of talent with great ability in going that extra bit further.
John Nolan, Carlow London Association, UK
Powerful & Magical Piece of Art
I love art and I’m the privileged owner of Caroline’s ‘Break true’. Caroline has uncannily captured in a most beautiful way, a woman breaking through the ties of her life and reaching for freedom. It’s now a daily reminder of the strength I found within to change my life. A truly powerful and magical piece of art which I will always treasure for many personal reasons. Caroline has many gifts to share with the world and I wish her success in all that she does.
Teresa McGrath, Hypnotherapy, Dublin, Ireland
Vibrant & Radiant
Caroline’s use of colour makes even a naked winter tree look vibrant and radiates in any room graced with her art.
Caroline’s ‘Break True’ art piece is so well defined even in it’s title, representing a moment of awakening. It’s a striking work depicting true nature, light and shadow and the courage it takes to push through with authenticity. I’m also the proud owner of Caroline’s artwork & books and she is featured in my own book entitled Dreaming Doors.
Maria Lehtman, Author & Digital Influencer, Finland
Multi-talented & Down to Earth
Caroline is a multi-talented artist and one of the most down to earth people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. Her work in reflexology is second to none. She is completely dedicated to the well being of her clients. Caroline’s singing is truly magnificent, and an experience that the world really needs to prepare for.
Fran Malone, Hypnotherapy, Cork, Dublin, Ireland
Tremendously Talented & Authentic Soul
Caroline is an incredible artist, her grace and beauty are reflected in her work which is a real treat. I’ve also had the privilege of witnessing Caroline sing in Hebrew, she is a tremendously talented singer. Caroline is a really authentic soul who is not afraid to be herself and I so admire that about her.
Caroline is a gifted artist with so many additional talents. Caroline’s gift with words offers her readers to travel with her. This is an artist I will be following closely. It was an honour for me to support Caroline in reaching her ‘Fund-It’ target for her art exhibition ‘The Sacred Lives Of Trees’.
Brenda Bergin, Seniorpreneurs Ireland
Renaissance Woman
Caroline has many talents and will be able to write a beautiful poem, paint a lovely picture and even sing at your wedding. Her travel writing stories are captivating. She is certainly a renaissance woman and if you have her to do anything for you she will put her all into it and make sure you are happy with the finished product.
Jackie De Sousa, London, UK
A Great Affinity with Earth & Humanity
I love Caroline’s art which conveys a peaceful, deep understanding of the essence of place, through colours, fluid shapes and perfect light, evoking smell, time of day and her connection with nature.
Read more...
Caroline is also a talented writer, sharing her experiences in an easy to read style. Her honesty and interest in the simple, everyday details and lives of other cultures is compelling and revealing. She shows a great affinity with humanity and the earth we inhabit.
In representing the Carlow Association of London at the St Patrick’s Parade in New York in 2015 it was my role to make a presentation to Carlow Association of New York. I wanted something special to show the link between Carlow, New York and London.
Read more...
I contacted Caroline by phone a few days prior to the visit & soon the painting entitled ‘Mind the Gap’ was born. It was well received in New York as was her poem of the same title. I cannot recommend Caroline highly enough. She’s a fund of talent with great ability in going that extra bit further.
John Nolan, Carlow London Association, UK
Powerful & Magical Piece of Art
I love art and I’m the privileged owner of Caroline’s ‘Break true’. Caroline has uncannily captured in a most beautiful way, a woman breaking through the ties of her life and reaching for freedom. It’s now a daily reminder of the strength I found within to change my life. A truly powerful and magical piece of art which I will always treasure for many personal reasons. Caroline has many gifts to share with the world and I wish her success in all that she does.
Teresa McGrath, Hypnotherapy, Dublin, Ireland
Vibrant & Radiant
Caroline’s use of colour makes even a naked winter tree look vibrant and radiates in any room graced with her art.
Caroline’s ‘Break True’ art piece is so well defined even in it’s title, representing a moment of awakening. It’s a striking work depicting true nature, light and shadow and the courage it takes to push through with authenticity. I’m also the proud owner of Caroline’s artwork & books and she is featured in my own book entitled Dreaming Doors.
Maria Lehtman, Author & Digital Influencer, Finland
A Journey in India via the Heart of the Journey Maker A life changing trip across the north of India, by river-boat, train, public bus, auto-taxi, camel and jeep, birthed my Indian Heart Way paintings collection into reality. Behold these treasured memories below, many of the originals sold during the exhibition, however, there are still […]
Artists in Carlow are keeping the dream alive with a summer art exhibition in the heart of town. Every Saturday in July 2018, Carlovians and tourists will have the opportunity to view and purchase artwork produced by local artists. Thanks to artist Elwira Bernaciak for volunteering to curate and organise this show on behalf of […]
