We don’t always follow what’s in our heart. The noise and turbulence of life often direct us far from that path. In 1999, burn out forced me to stop and take stock of my life. I left a career as a teacher of Maths and Science and spent the years since then cutting through that noise and calming the turbulence.

It takes courage to create one's world in any of the arts. I started with singing, dedicating 20+ years to a study of vocal freedom, learning to sing with meaning, in a way that nature intended. Through this particular study came a greater connection with my true spirit, a desire to heal and be more authentic.

My journey has involved travel, most significantly in India, Portugal and Peru. Through travel I established trust in my own instincts, formed lasting friendships and received an abundance of inspiration for painting and writing.

My first solo art exhibition took place in 2010 in Dublin during which I sold out most of my Indian Heart Way collection.

In the years that followed, I practiced life-drawing and painting at N.C.A.D. (National College of Art and Design) and R.H.A. (Royal Hibernian Academy), learning from accomplished artists, tutors and aspiring peers. Just like George Bernard Shaw I can say Irelands National Gallery was my university, as I spent many lunch breaks there observing and sketching the works of great artists.

I’ve exhibited in Dublin’s Peoples Art Exhibitions, Dublin's Design House (Dawson Street) and Whyte’s Hotel Wexford during the Plein Air festival. I’ve had solo exhibitions in the beautiful Shaw room at Carlow County Library, Lennons at the Visual Gallery and Art Bank Bunclody. I’ve also enjoyed exhibiting alongside artists from Carlow and Wexford.

In 2017, my work was featured on national TV in RTE’s Nationwide programme during which I was interviewed about my wellness journey and creative accomplishments.

In 2016 I created a collection of paintings entitled The Sacred Lives of Trees. I wanted to acknowledge the role of trees in my own healing journey and also provide space and opportunity for more people to express their gratitude for trees as a source of healing.

To start the conversations, I launched a Fund-It campaign. I received tremendous support, not only reaching the target fund but receiving additional sponsorship and pr coverage. In every instance I gave wholeheartedly, with rewards to funders and sharing the story of kindness and genorosity of my sponsors through my blogs and social network.

Art connects me with people and places worldwide. Highlights are the #MindtheGap commission, a painting that connected Carlow, London and New York. I also wrote a poem to accompany the artwork. Both painting and poem were presented to the Carlow Association in New York by their London counterparts with a delegation from Carlow (Ireland) during St. Patricks Day celebrations in New York.

Another highlight is the Pure Thinking community project which resulted in my portrait of a dear neighbour being selected for display on the outer panels of the county post office during Carlow Arts Festival.

Publishing my poetry has connected me with nature lovers and a wider community of art professionals with invitations to collaborate in projects such as The Silence and The Dreaming Doors other published work.