I’m blessed with two hands, they assist me in so well, especially in my work as healing therapist and artist. Throughout my studies in both of these realms I took time to focus on their ingenuous make up and power.
Drawing the Hands
In my life-drawing classes at NCAD, our tutor constantly stressed the importance of being able to draw the hands. He would chide us about monuments and paintings we had not yet examined, in particular the statue of James Larkin (Big Jim) that stands in the main street of our capital city.
‘Did you look at his hands?’ he 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 that formidable statue, 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 my art tutor's weekly taunts, I took out my sketch book and began to draw a quick impression. 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 class review. The tutor never asked us about James Larkin's hands again.
Now I had that I had looked at the hands of James Larkin.
Art of Caroline
James Larkin O'Connell Street Dublin, Ireland
Authentic Hand | In Private Collection
Self-Portrait of My Own Hand
Part way through my art studies I had to under-go eye surgery for the removal of cataracts from both my eyes, as a result of my history of retinal detachment. I was optimistic as I had the best 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 colours that had been dissolving from my vision over time.
I now could see details in the distance that I could't previously see with glasses. My near vision was also new. 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.
Giving Thanks
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? Explore my online gallery, see something you like, get in touch, make it yours today.
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.
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
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
Join me in the Shaw Room of Carlow Library (2019) from October 1st to 11th October for my exhibition 'From the Ocean to the Tree', celebrating nature's influence on our capacity to feel well. "Featuring colourful tree paintings from 'The Sacred Lives of Trees' and 'My Portugal' collections." Art of Caroline PUT IN YOUR CALENDAR: […]
Brenda shares her secret to successful living " Every morning I exhale the past and I inhale the future." Brenda Bergin, Preneurs Global Digi-Gran has had an interesting past, travel was in her bones from an early age. Having a best-friend in school who was Spanish, drew her to Spain, a country which she has […]
The Shaw Room at Carlow County Library has been my incubation centre for many of creative ventures. Autumn Leaves and Dreams is a series of events I’m hosting during in the autumn. It coincides with the annual celebration of our Irish language, a festival known as Glor Cheatharlach and our Mental Health Awareness month. You will […]
