Carlow Creative Rising - Things are happening in Carlow
7th April 2019
Carlow was the capital of Ireland once upon a time. You wouldn’t hear much about that nowadays. You’d be more likely to hear about the fact that Carlow had a thriving sugar factory but that too has passed.
It’s a town surrounded by rich agricultural land, a glacial hill and a Dolmen. It’s the home of Teagasc, two significant third level colleges, a state of the art gallery and theatre and an entrepreneurial community with international players in the mix.
In 2014, I moved back to Carlow from the city, all set to inspire self-care and the pursuit of authenticity. But Carlow wasn't ready for all that. In general the mood was low.
Four years on, things have changed and I know I played my part. It's possible too, that I entered the scene when Carlow was on the rise.
Caroline Cunningham at George Bernard Shaw Theatre
Caroline Cunningham at Carlow Library
#MakingitHappen
My arrival in Carlow co-incided with the launch of a new Local Enterprise Office, through which I availed of networking opportunities and learning supports for my business. Their #makingithappen hashtag certainly applied to my initiatives in the next few years.
Creative initiatives were springing up. I dived right in. Within a year, a portrait drawing of mine was being displayed on the outside of the Post Office building alongside the work of local artists.
By establishing a close relationship with Carlow Library, I exhibited my art in their beautiful Shaw Room many times and launched two books.
By 2017. I had RTE inviting me to showcase my work and my journey on their Nationwide TV programme.
Carlow is Rising | 2018
By 2018 Carlow had become a bit of a curiosity. Walk through Tullow Street you'd be likely to hear the most unusual snippets of conversation and witty remarks between passersby. There's more of a stir and a sense of things about to happen any minute.
Cursed Murphy & The Resistance
Things certainly happened when author Peter Murphy came to town to take up a writer’s in residence position. I signed up to avail of Peter's expertise and wisdom with the aim of being a better writer.
Peter put me through my paces. I absorbed every bit of his critique with the view to handing in a better piece next time. Within, two months I was a different writer, still with a lot to learn but a good deal better than at the start of our work together.
Never did I expect to be on stage in the George Bernard Shaw Theatre reading a chapter of my work in front of a live audience. That was exciting.
Nine of us had taken part in Peter’s workshops. We were proud to share the stage with our rebellious-spirited tutor as he performed his spoken word show to the title of Cursed Murphy and The Resistance.
Cursed Murphy & The Resistance
Carlow Rocks | 2019
Through Peter's residency in Carlow, I discovered another layer of creatives all as madly passionate about writing as myself. Carlow was not only rising it was starting to rock.
Peter Murphy is set to return to Carlow in 2019, for the launch of Dr. Derek Coyle's book of poetry entitled Reading John Ashbery in Costa Coffee, Carlow. I highly recommend putting the date in your calendar (April 10th, 7.30pm in Carlow College).
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: […]
When a tree taps you on the shoulder to request a favour, would you pretend not to hear or would you take action? That was the dilemma that tormented me for months before I took the leap of faith to create The Sacred Lives of Trees. Their request was this, to provide the opportunity and […]
