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Authentic Hand - Hands in Art & Healing

1st November 2018

I’m blessed with two hands. They assist me in so many things but most importantly they assist me in my work as a healing therapist and an artist.  During my studies in both of these realms I began to focus on my hands to consider their ingenuous make up and powerful assistance.

James Larkin

In my life-drawing classes at Art College, our tutor went through a phase of stressing the importance of being able to draw the hands. He would chide us about monuments and paintings we had not yet examined in real life. One in particular was the statue of James Larkin (Big Jim) that stands in the main street of Ireland’s capital city.  ‘Did you look at his hands?’ our tutor would repeatedly goad us. Larkin is remembered for his role in fighting for the rights of unskilled workers. The sculpture, created by Oisin Kelly, captures his pose from a scene in which he was addressing a crowd.

I had often passed by that formidable statue of James Larkin. One day, I stopped for a closer look. The outstretched arms of James Larkin certainly made a striking pose and his hands appeared to be holding up the sky. So as to put an end to the weekly taunts of my art tutor, I took out my sketch book and began to draw a quick impression of the statue standing high above me. Now I had proof that I had looked at the hands of James Larkin. I put my sketch on the wall beside our other homework for review by our class. The tutor never asked us that question again.

Hands of Larkin

"Now I had proof that I had looked at the hands of James Larkin."

New Vision

During my art studies I had to under-go eye surgery for the removal of cataracts from both my eyes, nothing to do with my age but more to do with my history of retinal detachment. I was optimistic about it as I had the best eye specialist and surgeon that I could hope for. Within eight days I had two surgeries, one for each eye, resulting in replacement of my natural lens with artificial ones.

Authentic Hand

There were many sensations as a result of my new vision. It was an excitement to the brain to experience the vibrancy of the colours that had been slowly dissolving from my vision over time. I could see miniscule details in the distance that I could not see previously with glasses, which had corrected a high degree of short-sightedness stemming from early childhood.

My near vision was also different. My brain was undergoing an adjustment to my new artificial lens. Curious about this, I devised a way to test my new sight. I decided to paint my left hand from life. I painted with my right hand, opening all the tubes of paint before I started, ensuring that I could leave my other hand in place as much as possible, so as not to alter its position. I made some markers so that I could take necessary breaks and return to the exact pose.

That’s how my painting ‘Authentic Hand’ came about. I did not appear to be missing many details. In fact I could even see the veins beneath my skin, as it was quite warm in the glass filled conservatory where I had completed the piece.

Hands for Therapeutic Touch.

Within a year I commenced my studies in reflexology, providing another useful skill for my hands. So much care can be conveyed through touch and we can even learn to apply it to ourselves. Not long after I qualified (with distinction) as a reflexology therapist, I took part in some national holistic events with my new business of ‘Authentic Reflexology’. I created self-care workshops which involved the use of hands. ‘The Power in your Hands’ is the name of one of these workshops which served the purpose of empowering people to use their hands and minds in maintaining calm in their own lives.

If you are fortunate to have your two hands, I encourage you to take a moment to look at them more closely and give thanks for the purpose they serve in your life. Through all that skin and density of bone, blood vessels and tissue is the power to enable ourselves, to transmit care, to create wonders and to inspire others.

Do you need a hand choosing a colourful painting for your home or work space? Take a look in my gallery. There are paintings and prints to suit every budget, style and taste. I'm here to help you if you need assistance with your selection.

Caroline Cunningham

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.

    Madeleine Forrest, Tourism & Events, Carlow, Ireland

    Her Readers Travel With 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.

    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.

    Gavin Duffy, Investor, Dragon & Presidential Candidate 2018

    Striking & Courageous

    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.

    Madeleine Forrest, Tourism & Events, Carlow, Ireland

  • Her Readers Travel With 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.

    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.

    Gavin Duffy, Investor, Dragon & Presidential Candidate 2018

  • Striking & Courageous

    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

Indian Heart-Way

My Indian Heart Way collection was birthed into reality after a profound life changing trip through the north of India, crossing the country by river-boat, train, public bus, auto-taxi, camel and jeep. These are treasured memories you behold. The original paintings in this collection have since been purchased except for one. I had retained Golden […]

Fine Framers Art Exhibition Summer 2017

Have you been to Fine Framers Carlow this summer? Currently my artwork is on display there. It was really awesome to be one of the first local artists to be invited to exhibit as part of a new initiative at their stunning store at the business park, on the Wexford Road out of Carlow town. […]

The Birth of Treedom

Inspired by the powerful essence of an elderly beech tree residing in the garden of my parental home, graced by the backdrop of a majestic mountain, all gave rise to the birth of ‘Treedom’. Before I even got the idea to paint my collection of ‘The Sacred Lives of Tree’s’, at least two years previously […]

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