I first connected with Michelle Mc Loughlin in a popular Twitter network, #womensinspire, supporting female entrepreneurs. Michelle's new business 'Train With Us' was the featured business that night, we joined in to help her business to trend by using her hashtag #businessSOS in our conversations.
I was thrilled to win the prize she had offered at the outset; a one hour consultation with regards to achieving a particular business goal of my choice.
Boosting Online Sales of Art Prints
I set the goal of achieving on-line sales of my limited edition art prints via my newly launched website, late in 2016. Exhibiting my work during the launch brought a good deal of direct sales and gave more visibility to my work in general. Following these events, I need to also boost awareness of my online art shopping facility.
"A few days before my review with Michelle, I achieved my goal of an on-line art sale!"
Making SMART Plans with Michelle
During the consultation, Michelle helped me to identify key tasks which we both agreed would be useful for generating awareness of my on-line shop. Together we prioritised the tasks and agreed on a timeframe in which to achieve them.
A review session was set to take place within one month. Meanwhile, Michelle had eyes and ears on all my social media activities. It was lovely that from time to time she gave me encouragement seeing that I was putting the plan into action.
If you need help identifying how to achieve your goals and could do with some motivation and accountability, I highly recommend connecting with Michelle via her website www.trainwithus.ie
Limited Edition Prints:
My limited edition prints are an excellent choice of gift for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries or for any gifting ocassion. All are printed on Hahnemuhle paper using giclee archival inks. They come with a certificate of authenticity and can be delivered worldwide.
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.
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.
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