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
Gift a Volcanic Tree Print

"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
Gift a Tango Tree Print
Amber Tree
Amber Tree | Painting €180 (Framed)
Gift an Amber Tree Painting

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)
Reach for Sacred Tree Energy

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!

Explore The Sacred Lives of Trees

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.

Keep Festive Calm with this Arty Guide
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Choose an original Painting

Explore All Paintings

Paintings from €145 to €250

Choose Paintings from €145 to €250

Miniature Paintings €80

Choose Framed Miniature Paintings €80

Limited Edition Prints €70 to €110

Choose Limited Edition Prints

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
The Way to Calm

"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.

Purchase Seven C's to Calm from Amazon Purchase Seven C's to Calm from the Author Make Enquiry for Orders 50+

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)
Shop the Limited Edition

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
Purchase the Original Painting
Rathvilly After The Rain
Rathvilly after the Rain - Oil Painting €950 (Resale)
Rathvilly After the Rain (Oil Painting) Rathvilly After the Rain (Prints)

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.

Enquire about Carlow Landscapes

Art Exhibition: From the Ocean to the Tree

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

Art Honours Nature

Prior to my launch of 'The Sacred Lives of Tree's' I had never heard people openly discuss how they felt about trees.

Feelings expressed by many visitors to my exhibition were echoed by my on-line network of business community and friends.

Tree's provide comfort in times of lonliness and stress, they allow us to restore a connection within and to a greater source.

In keeping with this theme of nature and wellbeing, I've added some scenes influenced by time spent in Portugal in recent years.

The ocean is also a source of restoration and inspiration. Many people living in the Algarve referred to the healing energy of the water which is so refreshing after a long day working in the summer heat.

Evening Tide by Caroline Cunningham
Beach scene Painting
Molhe Algarve - My Portugal
Treedom by Caroline Cunningham

PUT IN YOUR CALENDAR:

October 1st - 11th in Carlow Library (during library opening hours).

My artwork is also available to view and purchase on-line. See something you like, get in touch and make it yours.

Visit Art Gallery Today

CWL TV - Featuring Carlow Artist

During an exhibition at Carlow's award-winning restaurant, Lennons at the Visual, I was interviewed by the crew of CWLTV, a Carlow TV video production company.

Owner and camera-man Pauric Brennan very generously invited me to show-off my artwork and talk about the inspiration for its creation and my plans for the future.

I was interviewed by Lisa McAree who assisted at the time. The shoot had a very Night Hawks* feel about it, as the camera was very strategically placed to demonstrate an interview style shoot. It all looked very professional.

*Night Hawks was a popular Irish late night TV show in the 1980's, featuring a mix of comedy, interviews and entertainment, all filmed in a night-club setting.

Interview with CWLTV

Thanks again to Pauric and his team at CWLTV

The video interview is no longer available to view. It was great to work with Pauric and his production team. Pauric continues to work in film in a creative and corporate capacity. He can help you with story creation for your business and can help you live-stream your events.

Contact Pauric Brennan to make arrangements for your business needs.

View my full range of art work in my online gallery shop. See something you like, get in touch and make it yours.

Explore Art Gallery

Carlow Creative Rising - Things are happening in Carlow

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.

Carlow Creative
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).

Peter Murphy is the author of several books including Shall We Gather at the River and John the Revelator.

Books for the Soul

Take a break from the chaos and dip into some inspiration from my travels and walks in nature or get some insights on achieving calm.

My books are available on through my online shop. Dare to explore more.

Books by Caroline Cunningham
Explore Books for the Soul

Exhibitions | Carlow Arts Festival 2019

Carlow Arts Festival 2019 June 4th to 9th  has a fantastic line up of creative events and exhibitions, including interactive shows, street music, theatre and a drive-in movie. Many events are free thanks to the organisers and sponsors.

Focus on Inclusivity & Reaching Out

Artists from around the world join with local artists to perform and display their work through pop-up galleries and at 'Art Works' at the Visual.  This year artists have been invited to submit work in response to the song lyric:

Dearly beloved,

We are gathered here today

To get through this thing called life

Let’s go crazy, Prince. 1984

During Carlow Arts’ Festival my art will displayed in the window of Shaw’s retail store on Tullow Street, Carlow. 

Mount Leinster - Framed

Carlow Arts Festival is an important cultural event for Carlow which has plenty to offer its visitors in terms of hospitality, good food and heritage.

Carlow offers outdoor pursuits such as river and forest walks, fishing and rowing and of course plenty of opportunity for shopping - Carlow Visitor Information.

I look forward to meeting my creative friends during the festival and visiting their exhibits and performances too.

Add Colour Inspiration to Your Home or Work-Space:

My art tells stories that awaken dreams and keep them alive, through the use of vibrant colours and the freedom of allowing imagination to seep through reality.

Explore my artwork to feed your own dreams and keep them alive. You'll find landscapes, trees, scenes from lands such as India and Portugal.

Choose from original paintings in a variety of sizes or a range of prints including limited editions.

Add Colour Inspiration to your Life

Exhibition 2019: Lennons at the Visual Carlow

During March 2019, I exhibit my artwork at Lennon's award-winning cafe restaurant at Carlow's Visual Gallery. Come for the delicious food and tasty coffee and view my colourful display of tree paintings from the collection ‘The Sacred Lives of Trees’

Sunrise Tree Painting
Sunrise Tree | Sold
Beach scene Painting
Molhe Algarve | My Portugal
Algarve Flower | Sold
Explore My Portugal Paintings

"Trees have been instrumental in my healing journey and path to authenticity. Through my art I seek to inspire others to find their way towards a better version of themselves."

Caroline Cunningham
Tree Painting
Lisbon Tree
Tree Painting
Amber Tree
Tree Painting
Volcanic Tree | Sold

The Visual Carlow

Lennon’s at the Visual offer a tantalising selection of coffees, cakes and delicious meals and is a popular venue for Carlow people who like catching up in fine surroundings.

The Visual Gallery building is also home to the George Bernard Shaw theatre where you have a variety of entertaining and thought-provoking shows to choose from.

During your visit to the Carlow Visual Gallery, take a look at its bookshop next to the reception area. Here you will find my books Seven C’s to Calm – Reclaiming your Anxiety-Free Self and my poetry book The Whisperings of Nature.

Lennons at the Visual
2019 Exhibition at Lennons Restaurant at the Visual Carlow

Make a Date

Mark your calendar for March 2019, make a date to meet your friends at Lennon’s at the Visual and take time to ponder my wonderful tree paintings. Choose the perfect colour inspiration to your home or as a thoughtful gift for a loved one.

Colour & Inspiration for Living

My art is an expression of stories that awaken dreams and keep them alive. I love vibrant colours and the freedom of allowing imagination to seep through reality.

Explore my art and choose a piece that feeds your own dreams. You'll find landscapes, trees, scenes from lands such as India and Portugal. Choose from original paintings in a variety of sizes or a range of prints including some limited editions.

See something you like, get in touch and make it yours today.

Discover Inspiration for Your Home

Visual Carlow for Books

Explore a fine selection of books at the The Visual gallery in Carlow book shop. My own books are available there too, amongst books on topics of art, local history, culture.

Look out for Seven C’s to Calm – Reclaiming your Anxiety-free Self and The Whisperings of Nature (poetry).

Visual Gallery Carlow Books
Caroline Cunningham Author

The Visual Carlow

The Visual, opened in 2009, is home to contemporary art and the George Bernard Shaw Theatre, where you can also enjoy a beverage or a fine meal, with a stylish bar and restaurant on site.

The building is the designed by architect Terry Pawson with expertise in designing buildings for the arts and cultural sectors. It is reported to be Ireland’s largest gallery space, 3130m² in total, comprising four principle gallery spaces, the largest white cube gallery space in the country and houses a 335-seat theatre.

The Visual provides high-quality national and international contemporary art, plus a host of performances and events in multiple disciplines.

The next time you visit Carlow, take time to visit the gallery and check out the book store.

Visual Gallery Books
Visual Carlow Books by Caroline Cunningham

Seven C’s to Calm Reader Review:

"An extremely helpful book for dealing with your anxiety in a non-judgemental way, along with outlining specific ways in which you can manage your anxiety better. I loved reading this book and found Caroline’s approach to anxiety genuinely helpful and very knowledgeable."

Deborah Byrne, Psychologist, Wexford, Ireland

The Whisperings of Nature Reader Review:

Tranquillity, harmony and a restored connection with nature all in one little book of poems! ‘The Whisperings of Nature’ is a wonderful and inspiring little poetry book written by Caroline Cunningham. This is Caroline’s first published book of poetry and it represents her journey in discovering her authentic self and her reconnection with nature which transcends beautifully through her written work.

Krystal Long, Speaker & Blogger, Well-being Advocate, Cork, Ireland

My books are Available On-line

Restore Calm
Connect with Nature

Exhibition | Summer 2018 | Why We Need Art in Carlow Town

Artists in Carlow are keeping the dream alive with a summer art exhibition in the heart of town. Every Saturday in July 2018, Carlovians and tourists will have the opportunity to view and purchase artwork produced by local artists.

Thanks to artist Elwira Bernaciak for volunteering to curate and organise this show on behalf of the group 'Why We Need Art'.

Exhibition Details

Visit us at 2 Dublin Street, near the junction of Tullow St and Castle Street.

Be inspired by colourful and creative artwork during July and meet the artists.

In addition, Carlow town has a lot to offer by way of shopping, heritage, nature trails and scenery. The glacial hills of Killeshin make a stunning backdrop against the outline of our ancient castle while you rest along the Barrow in the company of swans.

Summer Art Exhibition Carlow
Caroline Cunningham Carlow Artist

Add Colour Inspiration to Your Life

My art speaks of the awakening of dreams, this is why we need art. I love vibrant colours and the freedom of allowing imagination to seep through reality.

Keep your dreams alive with a piece of art that speaks to you. Choose from landscapes, trees, travel scenes from countries such as India and Portugal.

There are lots of options; original paintings in a variety of sizes and a range of prints including some limited editions.

Explore my gallery, see something you like, get in touch, make it yours today!

Discover Art Inspiration | Visit Gallery

Authentic Path Inspiration - Finding Clarity

Having an Authentic Path Coach on board could be just the kick start you need to get going with a new career, new personal goals, new business or a new you!

"The right path is constantly being revealed to us once we make a decision to start to seek it out"

Caroline Cunningham
Authentic Path Coach (Carlow/Dublin, Ireland)

Making that start can often be the hardest part, causing anxiety, procrastination and tension. And while you agonise, your dream of a more compete existence is passing you by. That was my experience before I embarked on my unique 'Authentic Path'.

When I started out with my therapy business as 'Authentic Reflexology' a number of people wondered why I considered that name for my brand. Having anticipated this question, I already had my story lined up ('Why Authentic').

Remember not everyone see's your dream or knows the bigger picture of goals that you may aspire to. Even at that time, I knew I had a lot more to offer than just reflexology, which is one of my favourite touch therapies.

Within three years of starting my business, I started painting and writing books and launched an extensive marketing and pr campaign to get my brand known. I chose the phrase 'Inspiring your Authentic Path' as my tag-line or motto!

Why would I dare to do that? Because I am someone who wears my passion on both sleeves!

"I desire to have a positive influence in this world by inspiring others to follow their dreams and to achieve their goals, whether those dreams and goals are big or small"

Caroline Cunningham
Authentic Path Coach (Carlow/Dublin, Ireland)

Now I can say that I am seeing these results before my very eyes. Through all my work of painting, writing, reflexology, workshops and communications,  I have seen people become energised, more optimistic about achieving self-care goals and some people have even gained inspiration for new business ideas or become 'un-stuck' and ready to start their new career or life path or fitness programme.

Authentic Path Mentor - Caroline Cunningham

Following your 'Authentic Path' is not always the easiest path but it can certainly be the most rewarding one and can lead to greater well-being in the long-run as we tend to focus more on healing any thing that has impacted us negatively in order to move forward with a sense of freedom. I talk about this more fully in my article 'Be Authentic' which was published in Woman's Way magazine in 2018.

Knowledge that is valuable is often hard won. I can honestly say my knowledge comes from my long-term committment and investment in creative studies and personal develoment since 1999 (The Moment of Break True).

Are You Ready to Discover Your Authentic Path?

If you find yourself answering yes to any of these questions Authentic Path Coaching Sessions are for you. I help you to gain clarity and by giving you strategies that will last you for a life-time. I continue to provide reflexology services in the south east of Ireland and this too has evolved with my Authentic Path approach. I simply cannot leave half of myself outside the door. I’m here to help you fully or not at all (:

Yes! I Want to Get Clarity of Mind

Choose Your Path to Wellness & Success

Focus for Success

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(e-Book)

Focus for Success

6 Week Programme

(on-line course)

Personalised

Wellness Coaching