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Pure Thinking Portraits

16th October 2016

Portraits for Carlow County Post Office 2015

In the lead up to Carlow Art Festival in 2015, a group of artists came together under the banner of the Pure Thinking community. They set about drawing larger than life portraits of their chosen inspirational Carlow people for display on the exterior panels of Carlow County Post Office.

The project was completed in time for the opening ceremonies of the Carlow Arts Festival. The Festival’s committee curated the portraits for display on the post office building and I’m proud to mine was amongst those selected.

Connie Byrne, founder and creative director of Pure Thinking initiated this project which brought together an eclectic mix of Carlow based artists.

A total of four workshops were facilitated by artist Iwona Nartowska O'Reilly and took place in Deighton Hall. Twenty-nine artists took part in the project, each creating a portrait in up-scaled version (80x80cm) of their chosen inspirational person.

The portraits of the group reflected a vibrant Carlow community with a special-Olympics athlete, an actor, an artist, historical figures, loved one's who passed away and kindred spirit's showing others how to enjoy life to the full.

Caroline Cunningham

"The Carlow Arts Festival’s committee curated the portraits for display on the post office building and I’m proud to say my portrait was amongst those selected."

Caroline Cunningham, Artist

The atmosphere in Deighton Hall during the project was industrious and invigorating. I made interesting new friends and some of us even found opportunities to exhibit together during the festival.

Local photographer Michael 'Spudy' Murphy was on hand to document our work and capture us in deep concentration and having fun. The finished portraits were prepared for the panels of the Post Office building.

Ed O’Connell

I chose to portray my neighbour and friend Ed O'Connell who retired from a teaching career in Carlow Regional College (now Carlow SETU) having taught and introduced the course on 'Industrial Instrumentation'. At the time of the post office project Ed was in his early 80's. He was a light-hearted individual who enjoyed life which was enriched by his love of singing, art, playing music, fishing and gardening and the company of his many friends. Ed was very proud to be a part of this art adventure. He loved the arts and he always stole the show when he attended any of my exhibitions. He was a much loved individual and is remembered fondly by all who knew him, may he rest in peace.

Ed O’Connell Portrait

Pure Thinking

Pure Thinking was founded in 2007 by Carlow business owner Connie Byrne.

"I have always been fascinated by people, teams and artistic projects. A successful common goal is only achieved through team work and allowing all talents to shine through. Pure Thinking works on grass roots level to celebrate and create awareness of the different groups of people that live in our community."

Connie Byrne
Founder & Creative Director, Pure Thinking

Another Leap Forward

This project gave me the opportunity to go beyond limits to create my best portrait, up to that point. It was also confidence boosting to be working amongst supportive peers, especially as I had come to art later in my life.

Get Invited:

Keep up to date with my latest art developments, receive exclusive invites (and more) straight to your in-box by subscribing to my newsletter.

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

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