The Sacred Lives of Trees | Nature Wisdom

The Sacred Lives of Trees serves to draw attention to the contribution of trees to our wellness and healing.

The lives of trees mirror our own lives as we encounter storms that give rise to twisting, scarring and deprivation of nurture. Yet, given time and more favourable circumstances we can come right again.

As with trees, our return to a state of elegance and grace takes time. The natural world is never suddenly in a perfect state after a shock to its system or a period of disarray. Similarly with ourselves it takes time to heal and grow.

"As an artist, I'm committed to putting nature and simplicity centre stage along my path to authenticity."

Art of Caroline Cunningham

What People Are Saying About Trees

During The Sacred Lives of Trees exhibitions, I gave my viewers the opportunity to express how they felt about trees. It was athe first time I heard people expressing their own personal love of trees, the healing effects of their forest walks and their expressions of gratitude and joy.

Volcanic Tree
Volcanic Tree | Prints Available

"The natural world is never suddenly in a perfect state after a shock to its system or a period of disarray. Similarly with ourselves it takes time to heal and grow."

Caroline Cunningham, Artist

Keep the Tree Conversation Alive

My message about the wellbeing benefits of trees has travelled far and wide. My followers often send me tree related articles. Some send photos of their favourite trees. One follower invited me to be included in a private video (shared only amongst their best friends) featuring a photo of each one hugging a tree.

I’m not the first to start this conversation about trees and I won’t be the last, I’m simply helping people to raise the volume on their thoughts so that these conversations about trees will gather momentum for the benefit of more people on our planet.

Tango Tree
Tango Tree | Prints Available
Amber Tree
Amber Tree | Painting €180 (Framed)

The Sacred Lives of Trees Grows:

I’ve created a set of smaller tree paintings (in acrylic) on board 20 x 25cm to give more choice to lovers of trees and my art work.

Reach | Painting €180 (Framed)

Explore The Sacred Lives of Trees

View available paintings and prints from The Sacred Lives of Trees in my online gallery. See something you like, get in touch make it yours!

Dreamtime Ireland

Carlow Arts Festival and VISUAL Carlow have announced Dreamtime Ireland as the title and theme of Artworks 2025; the annual open-call exhibition hosted by VISUAL as part of Carlow Arts Festival

Dreamtime Ireland exhibition is part of a wider research project by artist Sean Lynch that brings together overlooked, forgotten, controversial or unrealised artworks, pointing to often undervalued yet vital cultural forms of commentary, interaction, exchange, and provocation towards the shape of the world and its environment, both today and historically.

Carlow Arts Festival & Visual Gallery

The 2025 exhibition will be presented in the galleries at VISUAL from Thursday 5 June-Sunday 31 August 2025.

Artist Entry | Caroline Cunningham

Entry Title: Saoirse

Medium: Acrylic on Stretched Canvas

Description: Finding freedom; the eternal quest for a life of authenticity, escaping conformity even if only for a short time. What does freedom mean to you?

Saoirse | Acrylic on Canvas

Entry Title: Earthlings

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas Paper | Framed with Glass Protection

Description: Who are the true Earthlings? A self-portrait painted prior to cataract surgery, trees have always been a grounding energy and source of self-healing. 

Earthlings | Acrylic on Canvas Paper (Framed)

Art Bio Caroline Cunningham

Visual arts background in life drawing, a colourist, deeply influenced by creative studies in vocal expression (20+years).

Drawn to themes of connection through nature and places, quest for authentic self and the life experiences of women. Author of 2 self published books (wellness and poetry genres).

Favourite art quoth:

Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable

Cesar A. Cruz

In 2025, there is much need for comfort as our civilisation moves further away from all that's authentic, gentle and kind.

We'll find peace outside when we find it within, for this to work we need listening, acceptance, with a good deal of compassion. Peace for one is not enough however. Peace is an ongoing search and practice.

Doing the little that I can.

Journey in Peru's 'Living Inca Museum'

Seeking a stronger connection with a time and a culture rich in knowledge and wisdom in every aspect of living, I travelled to Peru to spend time in Cuzco's Sacred Valley.

The town of Ollantaytambo became my home for a short period in 2013, after my graduation. A town steeped in Inca heritage, where, for many of its people, Quechua is their first language.

At that time, walking through the town's plaza meant you bent your knees a bit more while navigating broad cobbled stones underfoot. Water from towering heights, gushed earnestly through stone cut via-ducts wrapping the perimeters of the kanchas; walled residential compounds.

This town is known as 'a living Inca museum'. Traditions survive here, manifest in the colourful attire of inhabitants, highly nutritious foods, ritual dances and other customs.

Ollantaytambo Sun Window Copyright Caroline Cunningham
Ollantaytambo Sun Window Copyright Caroline Cunningham
Fortaleza Ollantaytambo Peru - Copyright Caroline Cunningham

"Visitors & inhabitants speak of the special energy of Ollantaytambo in Peru's Sacred Valley."

On my first day in Ollantaytambo, I provided reflexology to my host Queta (Hospedaje Kusiqoyllor). It was her first time to receive any kind of holistic therapy, my first time to provide healing as a recent graduate.

Qeta's son Carlos was our translator. I knew by Qeta's smile how much she was enjoying the experience, when done she expressed her gratitude 'I love you!' - it was the only time I heard her speak in English. I was rewarded by a healthy meals, mainly dishes of organic vegetables.

Visitors and inhabitants all speak of the special energy of Ollantaytambo in Peru's Sacred Valley. My writing and therapy practice has been deeply inspired by my journey in Peru and the people that befriended me there.

In 2024, I retired as a therapist, after almost 11 years of practice. The wisdom and inspiration I received lives on in my books and my creative practices. Deepen your connection with universal wisdom by exploring my books, available online.

Reclaiming Calm in a Busy World - Easons Carlow Event

Anxiety affects many people throughout life, it can feel like a perpetual unease or it can have more serious consequences, described by anxiety disorders. It robs your energy, hides your true identity, while lots of life's opportunities pass you by.

In my book Seven C's to Calm, I outline what has made a difference in my own life. This month I'll share some of these insights with you during the launch of an initiative for Carlow authors sponsored by Easons. Join us on October 19th for the first of these local author events, which coincides with National Book Week.

Easons Carlow 2023
Click the image to reserve your place.

Event Details:

Have a cuppa and reconnect on Thursday at 7.30pm at Easons, Fairgreen Shopping Centre. There's limited seating so come early. I'll be speaking about reclaiming calm in a busy world. Full details are available via the event link - reserve your place so we know to expect you.

Carlow Authors:

This event is also about creating a space for local authors to show-case their work in a nationwide store that is now fully owned by Easons.

Thanks to the management of Easons for engaging with me throughout the year with the view to making this initiative a reality.

A Better Life:

Even if you're not currently affected by anxiety, chances are it's affecting someone your know. Having a better understanding of the challenges and solutions means you'll be more empowered to help others. Both of my books are available in Carlow Easons so check them out when you pop in, also available online: The Whisperings of Nature (Poetry) and Seven C's to Calm - Reclaiming your Anxiety-free Self.

Want a Better Life?

Join our Authentic Path Explorers newsletter for additional invites, inspiration and occasional offers by adding your name and email to the sign up page.

Anxiety as a focus-robber & what to do about it - Access to Webinar

Anxiety is a massive saboteur of mental focus and clarity. The implications for your career and quality of life are significant and there are financial implications too.

In November 2018 the Irish Times journal reported a cost of over € 8.2 billion a year to the Irish economy due to mental health issues, with 6.3% of people being affected by anxiety disorder. Anxiety is not particular to the Irish population, so it's safe to say that the impact to the global economy is surely immense.

Anxiety can manifest in lots of ways, affecting people at various stages throughout their lives. You might experience it as a perpetual nagging unease or it can have more serious consequences, described by anxiety disorders.

Ultimately, it's a grand sneaky robber of focus, eroding your energy, creativity and productivity. Not only do people fail to achieve their goals, they miss out on a life that could have been theirs.

Isn't it time to do something more about the impact anxiety is having on your career and quality of life?

Caroline Cunningham Author of Seven C's to Calm

A Step Towards a Better Life:

Problems rarely get solved all by themselves. By openly discussing anxiety, sharing experience and knowledge, we create the awareness that leads to positive change. Here's an invitation to take a step to a better life that requires only 20 mintues of your time while logged into your LinkedIn account.

Join myself and Catherine Mattice, the inspirational founder of award winning Civility Partners in this episode of Catherine's Corner (webinar) as we address the topic of focus robbing anxiety.

Free Webinar Addressing Focus Robbing Anxiety
Free Webinar Addressing Focus Robbing Anxiety (click image above to watch)

Another Step Towards a Better Life:

Take another step towards a better life and discover a more authentic you. Seven C's to Calm - Reclaiming your Anxiety-free Self is purposely simple to get you started without overwhelm. My book is based on my own experience of what has worked in my life. It has helped many readers to take action in restoring calm. And there's a workbook included so you can start implementing the strategy straight away!

A Better Life for All:

Anxiety is a topic that is often goes unmentioned so even if you're not currently affected by anxiety, chances are someone you know is having this experience. Having a better understanding of the challenges and solutions means you'll be more empowered to help others to take steps towards a better life for themselves.

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Another Small Step:

Would you like inspiration for making your life more amazing? Join our Authentic Path Explorers newsletter for the latest insights, tips, event invites and offers by adding your name and email to the sign up page.

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Art of Caroline at Carlow's Cafe Thyme

Love coffee and an opportunity to feed your senses and art soul? A visit to a special Carlow venue is a must, where Art of Caroline exhibits throughout December 2022.

Cafe Thyme: a beautiful space for delicious lunch, coffee and delightful treats and gateway to Delta Centre's stunning sensory garden.

The garden has an inspiring story to tell and as a local artist it's truly wonderful to be exhibiting there. 20% of all art sales goes towards the running of the Delta Centre which provides exceptional services to people with different needs and abilities.

Coffee Art & Catch Up

Catch up with family or friends with a delicious lunch or hot cuppa and treats on a cold winters day, while pondering some art inspiration for your home or decidng which lucky person will receive a special arty gift this year.

Cafe Thyme is open most days. Details of their opening hours are here.

Christmas Events at Delta's Sensory Gardens

Choose a festive experience with a difference: the Sensory Gardens Christmas light display adds an extra dimension of joy for the senses.

A Festive Wonderland

Art of Caroline Curated Gift Guide

Considering an Art of Caroline gift for a loved one this Christmas? My curated guide is designed to make your art gifting easy and stress free. Place your order before Decemer 8th as this is a busy time of year for delivery services.


Ganga Dreaming - The Call Of India

Is there a country, a city or a town you've been to that changed you forever?

India was it for me. On arrival in New Delhi, my senses accosted from every angle, I was compelled to go with its helter-skelter. I returned home with a clearer sense of purpose, less inhibited than ever before and prepared to host my first solo exhibition ‘Indian Heart Way’.

Indian Heart Way: a collection of 8 paintings, depicting a journey through India via the heart of the journey-maker.

Varanasi Sunrise - (Labelled for Reuse)
Sunrise over the Ganga, Varanasi

The exhibition was a huge success, art buyers and guests marvelled at the sense of place and time and even smells the paintings evoked for those who had travelled in India. Most sought after was Ganga Dreaming. That little boat on the Holy River aroused much curiosity.

It captures a memory of days spent sailing on the Ganga in a little row boat, camping along its banks in nights full of peace and magic. Quiet days too, occasionally passing groups of colourfully clothed country folk doing their washing along the shore. Kingfishers and dolphin-like creatures appeared to us, while ever-present was the hazy fog that is typical at that time of year.

Night time, equally enchanting, as my ears attuned to the haunting howls of jackals roaming nearby hills and the comforting regularity of tabla drums from a distant camp, as if in worship of the starry heaven above.

After three days we sailed into Varanasi ‘City Of Light’, in time for new year's eve celebrations. Memories I hold dear forever.

Ganga Dreaming, now available as a limited edition giclee print, enshrines these memories in the ripples of the water, the bright sails of the river boat and the curiosity of its destination.

The perfect gift of serenity and wonder for loved ones or a lovely addition to your living room, yoga retreat or workspace.

Ganga Dreaming Limited Edition Print €110

Helpful Arty Gift Guide for Christmas Calm

Stay calm this Christmas and escape all the tizzy and stress of finding the perfect gift in time for Christmas day.

I've got your back with my top tips for a calm and pleasant shopping experience this year. November is the month to set the stage for a blissful winter holiday experience, so you can relax knowing you have it all sorted and your loved ones will have the most unique creative gifts to unwrap on Christmas morning.

Top Tips for Stress-Free Christmas Shopping

*** Time Saving Arty Gift Guide ***

Top Pick No. 1

Do you know someone who likes travel? Holiday dreaming inspiration is the perfect choice, choose from My Portugal miniature paintings.

Price is range €80 to €180 and they are sure to brighten someones home or workspace.

Molhe - My Portugal Framed
Molhe - My Portugal Framed

Top Pick No. 2

Mount Leinster Mandala limited edition print is a popular choice for Irish art buyers and our diaspora with ancestral links to the sunny south east of Ireland.

The edition is limited to 50, each one comes with a certificate of authenticity. They are sold without frame, although occasionally there may be a small selection of framed prints available.

Ganga Dreaming Limited Edition Art Print

Top Pick No. 3

India has a charm for many of my art buyers. I sold the entire Indian Heartway collection in a flash, except for Golden Urn which has been in my private collection until recently.

Take a look at your options for claiming a piece of Indian Heartway with an original painting (€250) or Ganga Dreaming limited edition print (€110)

Top Pick No. 4

Friendly Winter Robin art prints and greetings cards have a special meaning particluarly at this time of year. The robin is traditionally associated with the memory of loved ones who've departed the earthly world.

Bring comfort to someones life by choosing from a range of prints in paper, canvas, wood, metal or greetings cards.

WInter Robin
Winter Robin Prints & Greetings Cards
Rathvilly After the Rain (Ireland)

Top Pick No. 5

Looking for something more impressive for that special someone? Browse through the catelog of available paintings (from €250 to €1,250) with themes of romantic freedom, country village, indian charm and the nature inspiration.

Order Dates for Christmas 2022

December is a particularly busy month for postal and delivery providers and this can affect the time it takes for your order to arrive. Check the recommended order dates below for each art category to avoid unnecessary stress and disappointment this year.

With the exception of my open edition prints I prepare all items for delivery. When you choose open edition prints you're purchasing directly from the printer and their terms and conditions apply along with their excellent customer support.

Open Edition Prints

Greetings cards and open edition prints are printed in the UK., while wood, metal, canvas & framed prints are manufactured in Europe.

For stress-free shopping place orders for these type of prints by the first week of November.

Fabric prints are produced in the USA. For deliveries of fabric prints outside of USA order in September for stress free fulfillment in time for Christmas.

Limited Edition Prints

These are printed in Ireland and delivery is by registered post.

For orders within Ireland place your order by December 4th.

For deliveries outside of Ireland order wtihin November.

Original Paintings

Order original paintings in November. It's best to get in touch to discuss delivery options.

Smaller paintings can be delivered by registered post whereas larger paintings can be delivered by courier or collection can be arranged from my home in Carlow.

Larger items containing glass require special arrangements for collecton or delivery.

Keeping Calm for Highly Focused Productivity

Do you find it difficult to focus some or all of the time? Are you not as productive as you’d like to be? Or is this something that’s affecting your work team or a family member?

You’re not alone in these challenges. According to the World Health Organisation Ireland is in the top 10 countries worldwide for per cent of population affected by anxiety disorders (W.H.O. 2017). In addition they’ve reported that the cost of anxiety and depression to the global economy is US$ 1 Trillion per year in lost productivity.

The good news is, it doesn’t have to be that way. I provide a meaningful approach to reclaiming your calm for highly focussed productivity and a better life.

#FocusforSuccess

This is your opportunity to pause and reflect, to find a new starting point leading to greater results.

In this article, I invite you to take advantage of the following free supports to get you started.

  1. Webinar on Keeping Calm for Highly Focused Productivity (replay).
  2. An Anxiety Support Sheet packed with insights and strategies for short and longer term benefits for reclaiming calm and improving focus and productivity.
Seven C's to Calm Book

"Actively promoting staff wellbieng leads to greater staff productivity, morale and retention and reduced sickness, absenteeism and presenteeism"

Chartered Institute of Personal Development (C.I.P.D.)

Webinar Replay – Keeping Calm for Highly Focused Productivity

During this webinar series of Jigsaw’s Never Mind the Buzz Words, I shared insights from my own personal story of recovery from burnout, anxiety and panic attacks, as well as providing strategies and techniques for improving your wellbeing, focus and productivity. I also talk about how managers can support their employees’ mental wellbeing.

Watch the replay to discover how to:

Thanks to Julie O'Sullivan from Jigsaw for inviting me as guest speaker on this topic. We had a very engaging interactive discussion with like-minded people. Join the replay here.

Click to Watch the Replay

Access Your Free Anxiety Support Sheet

Sign up to receive your free support sheet which provides:
Anxiety Support Sheet

Employee Wellbeing - Approaching the Issue of Anxiety:

Many employers are realising that wellbeing is not something that can be ignored. The best workplaces take proactive steps to ensure their people can manage the inevitable challenges they will face, so that they can remain calm, focused, and productive. During my webinar with Julie, I highlighted ways we can support ourselves and others to be better equipped to handle the challenges of anxiety and stress and to avoid burnout.

I wrote Seven C's to Calm for the following reasons:

By providing a copy of Seven C’s to Calm to your team you are:

Seven C’s to Calm provides:

My book of calm is available on Amazon.

Alternatively if you require a signed copy you can purchase directly from my online shop.

For bulk orders of 50 or more copies get in touch to request a quote inclusive of delivery.

Wedding Gifts - Symbolic, Timeless & Elegant

The rituals associated with weddings are as old as the Pyramids, let's take a look at this life-giving gift that makes our world go around.

Ancient Rituals of Wedding Gifting:

The middle ages are famous for the barganing of land, animals & metals in exchange for strategic marriages between kingdoms and clans, but did you know that these rituals go as far back as the Code of Hammurabi in 1780 B.C.E.?

The payment of a bride price or dowry remained strong in many cultures but by the late 1800's a new trend had emerged. It had become customary for gifts to be provided by guests who were deemed worthy of an invite to the auspicious celebration.

The tradition of the wedding registry (wedding list) originated in 1924 when the famed US Macy's department store introduced it as a savvy marketing strategy, one which was swiftly adopted worldwide.

Curated gift lists meant couples could receive gifts they actually desired or needed. This was particularly useful when couples had not previously lived together and were about to set up a home.

Symbolic, Timeless & Elegant Gifts

In modern times, despite the growing trend of gifting money, choosing the perfect wedding gift is an important consideration symbolising the special occasion of marriage.

Timeless and elegant wedding gifts are a token of respect to families and recognise the importance of the givers relations with the bride or groom.

With this in mind, I present my own Wedding List to help you choose the perfect timeless and elegant gift, one that will provide colour and inspiration throughout the lives of the happy couple and keep your relations with them in high esteem.

Ganga Dreaming

Limited Edition Print from Indian Heart Way Collection

Wedding Gifts by Art of Caroline

The artwork in this list is specially curated to help you to choose the perfect wedding gift that will have pride of place in the homes of the newly weds, ensuring that your gift will be treasured throughout their lifetime. The artwork you choose can be the entirety of your gift or you may choose to purchase an art piece to accompany your cash gift.

Carlow Landscape Paintings

The second smallest county in Ireland enjoys a colourful landscape that is stunning to behold from any view point.

I used to think people took these things for granted, too busy to pass remark about the scenery, or choosing to keep these feelings to themselves.

It was not until I started to paint these scenes and exhibit my work that I truly began to hear those sentiments being verbalised in my community. This is why art is so important, it's why I create.

"Art provides an opportunity for people to give expression to their thoughts and feelings. This is why I create."

Caroline Cunningham, Artist

Into The Heart Land

The view from Mount Leinster's Nine Stones is simply invigorating with its colourful tapestry changing according to the seasons. Walkers, hang-gliders and paragliders and sight-seers all gather in this popular spot for the good of their wellbeing and soul.

I created 'Into the Heartland' collection of paintings in honour of the views across Carlow from Mount Leinster as seen in the painting below. All original paintings are sold, however, you may be able to acquire a limited edition of one of the pieces 'Mount Leinster Mandala'.

Caroline Cunningham Art - Into the Heartland.
Into the Heartland (Original Sold)

Scenes from a Carlow Village

Mount Leinster and surrounding hills are just as captivating as seen from the environs of the village where I'm from, I had no shortage of beauty to inspire my artwork.

Rathvilly after the Rain was created further back, in my first workings with oil paints, that was 1999, the beginning of a long journey of self discovery, healing and development of skills through study in the arts, holistic health and the experience that comes from travel.

Winter Sky (Sold)
Mount Leinster Series (No. 4) €650
Rathvilly After The Rain
Rathvilly after the Rain - Oil Painting €950 (Resale)

See something you like? I'm happy to assist you with any questions you may have about my art work, simply get in touch via the contact form.

Tips for a Stress-free Christmas 2020

My top tips for a stress-free Christmas 2020

Plus Last Order Dates for my Artwork and Books ahead of Christmas.

The clock is ticking. Are you in Christmas countdown mode? Do you even like Christmas? It was not always my favourite time of year but I have my first Christmas tree now that presents can actually fit under and I have logs for the fire in my new home. I’m looking forward to having a break from 2020 and all its trials.
I want us all to have a stress-free Christmas so I have my top tips to share.

Top Tips for a Stress -Free Christmas during Pandemic:

1. If this time of year is especially difficult for you because of the diminishing light or for other personal reasons, take special care to mind yourself during this time. Remember, after December 21st daylight hours increase and within the first weeks of January we will notice a stretch in the evenings once more.

2. Find some interesting things to do during this time, like some art and craft, or planning your vegetable plot for 2021. Line up some good books or learn something new thorugh an on-line course. There are plenty of on-line galleries to visit too.

3. If you are buying gifts for friends and loved ones keep it simple. If possible shop local and if relying on postal deliveries keep in mind the dates for last posting before Christmas. Postal services are under a lot of pressure due the pandemic, so avoid the worry of whether your gifts will arrive on time and know your cut of dates for ordering and sending.

4. Keep following the guidelines for public health during pandemic. It’s tough what we”ve been through as humans in 2020 there is no doubt about it but change is on the horizon and great minds are working on solutions to our current predicament. Are you one of those people?

5. Take time to reflect on the stage you are at in your life. This is a good time for reflection. What are you proud of, what are you grateful for, what are you letting go of and what are you ready for?

6. Even if you are feeling tired and worn out at this time of year it’s important to keep up some exercise routine. Even if that means some gentle walks or some stretches to keep stiffness at bay, keep your mind and body in shape during the coming weeks.

7. Treat yourself but keep things in moderation. Know your portion sizes and calorie alottment and aim to do your best to keep within these or do some extra exercise so you can afford to indulge a little now and then. Gaining weight can affect mood later on so know your limits.

8. If you are alone this Christmas and finding it tough, reach out to someone. There are ways to maintain connection even if it is through the internet or phone. If you feeling particularly isolated and vulnerable at this time there are helpline volunteer groups such as Alone or The Samaritans.

9. Relax and enjoy the moments that you have now. Tomorrow is a new day and 2021 is around the corner. There are many possibilities ahead.

I hope this helps in some way, let me know if you can. Remember I am on standby to offer wellness coaching, my way of empowering you through lasting mindset change.

Last Orders for my Books and Art Work: (assuming you live in Ireland):

  • Fine Art America Prints (unframed) can be ordered up until December 13th (ships from UK)
  • Fine Art America customised gifts – it is now too late to order if you live in Europe  as these items are processed in USA.
  • Limited Edition Prints and Books – Last order for post within Ireland is December 15th
  • Original Paintngs – For delivery within  Leinster last order is December 18th.

Due to the pandemic I cannot gaurentee deliveries to other locations to arrive before Christmas.

Amber Tree Painting Framed €170