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.

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.

Gift a Tango Tree Print

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 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 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.

Beach scene Painting — Molhe Algarve - My Portugal

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.

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Exhibitions | Carlow Arts Festival 2019

Carlow Arts Festival 2019 June 4^th to 9^th 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.

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 | 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

The Grounding Effect of Trees

Fresh air, stretching the muscles and a whole lot more: what you're likely to get from time spent in the forest.

What about the wonderful sense of connection to the earth which trees are strongly rooted to? Many people refer to this as the grounding effect of trees.

Giving voice to the fact that trees nuture our wellbeing, is my purpose for creating: ‘The Sacred Lives of Trees’

The Benefits of Grounding Yourself

Grounding helps when you've been affected by the following:

a crisis/shock/trauma
immune system has been weakened through illness
a period of low energy, anxiety or dizzy spells
feeling depressed, grieving or broken-hearted

There are lots of circumstances in life that can leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves.

Along with seeking professional support to heal, trees are one aspect of nature that can provide us with a way of restoring connection and it usually doesn't cost a lot to visit a forest or spend time with trees.

"Trees are an important contributor to our well-being, this factor is much deeper than some may realise."
Caroline Cunningham, Artist

More bird song & tree therapy today. What's your nature saviour in your #5kmfromhome limit #natureishealing @AuthenticReflex @WellbeingSherpa pic.twitter.com/EVsPPe0Fhk
— Caroline Cunningham (@artofsinging) May 13, 2020

Tree Meditation

More people are recognising the grounding effects of trees as a very real benefit for well-being, which is why tree analogies are often used in meditations and visualisations.

Imagine yourself having roots just like trees, anchoring yourself strongly to the earth. By influencing our thoughts and feelings in this way, we can change our body’s chemistry over time and raise our energy to allow sensations of being centred.

By developing this practice we can become more clear in our thinking and more able to deal with the surprise ‘hits’ life throws in our paths.

Sacred Lives of Tree's Tour

The response I got from launching ‘The Sacred Lives of Trees’ tour was tremendous. My on-line community sensed the importance of my quiet message, through my use of vivid colours and the intimate settings of trees.

From the comments I received,it was clear that the message resonated with many people, as they expressed their gratitude for trees and the comfort that they had received as a result of their presence.

Add Tree Inspiration to Your Walls

Add the healing energy of trees to your home or work space through my vibrant tree paintings, with many sizes and styles to choose from. Explore the collection, see something you like, get in touch and make it yours today.

Discover Tree Art by Caroline

Who's your favourite artist?

"Who’s your favourite artist?" I asked a friend of mine. "You!" was their prompt reply. While it's always nice to receive a compliment I remained curious and I reflected on the artists who had made an impression on my own development in the visual arts.

Jack B. Yeats (1871 1957)

I've always loved Jack B. Yeats paintings at the National Gallery of Ireland. I'm intrigued by his later ‘expressionist’ work, his experimental approach and disregard for rules.

Stories come alive in sensational colour and enticing textures arousing curiosity and prompting the viewer to move around to assess all perspectives.

Jack's fluidity and daring attitude are most appealing. His ‘Morning in a City’ (c.1937), ‘About to Write a Letter’ (1935) and ‘The Liffey Swim’ (1920) are my amongst my favourites.

When creating Dancer, from Birth of a City collection, I unleashed some daring of my own, giving life to my version of the Liffey at Dublin's Hal'penny Brdge.

Explore Birth of a City Art

"Society does not always recognise the masters that are rising in their midst."
Caroline Cunningham | On the Impressonists

Monet & Friends

National Art Gallery officially celebrated the opening of its Millenium Wing in year 2000 by hosting of the works of The Impressionists (1860s-1880's).

My eyes were like new as I cast them upon these famous patintings. The visual experience was so vibrant it felt like the artwork had arrived freshly painted from a devine place.

I was in awe of the mastery of Monet's work, his absolute attention to detail and true conviction of what could be achieved regardless of what others might think or say.

This group of painters taught me an invaluable lesson in being true to your heart (and art) rather than the accepted 'norms' of a society that does not always recognise the master that are rising in their midst.

Explore Nature Paintings

Harry Clarke 1889 - 1931

Harry Clarke, a remarkable Irish artist, started out in book illustration and transferred his genius imagination and unique style to staining glass windows, portraying fantasy worlds that are truly magical.

Despite a short life, due to illness, he leaves a legacy of exquisite works around Ireland and world-wide.

I've been a regular visitor to the Hugh Lane Gallery (Dublin) to immerse myself in his story of 'The Eve of St. Agnes' (1924), inspired by a poem of the same title by poet John Keats. The work was orignially commissioned for Harold Jacob (owner of a reknowned biscuit factory) for his private home.

Sacred Universe is my homage to Harry Clarke who remains top of my list of favourite Irish artists.

Sacred Universe | The Sacred Lives of Trees (Sold)

Art Travel Beyond Ireland

‘The Kiss’ by Gustav Klimt (1862 – 1918) was the purpose of my trip to Vienna. I indulged in the sensuality of his works, the rich shimmering gold displays and intricate designs, adorning the lofty feminine forms.

I found his women intimidating and remote. Could it be that this was their coping mechanism for being female in a world that doesn't always favour our kind? I had a long way to go to find my own coping mechanisms so I afforded Klimt's women some compassion.

"This was the stuff of dreams, imagination and simplicity."
Caroline Cunningham, | On 'The Rooftops of Barcelona' by Pablo Picasso

I'm not a fan of Picasso's (1881-1973) ‘Cubism’ style, however ‘The Roofs of Barcelona’ (1902) remains strong in my mind after my visit to the Picasso museum in Barcelona This was the stuff of dreams, imagination and simplicity.

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Thanks for taking time out to take in my art reflections, I hope it has helped you with your own. For latest art news and invites, join me by adding your email below.

Art Travel Inspiration

When art inspires your travel plans to where do you roam? Here are just a few of the places that my art interest has taken me.

London | The Tate Gallery

My favourites of London's many galleries are the National Portrait Gallery and the Tate Modern which I visited in 2003,when Olafur Eliasonn’s dazzling sun was on display in the Turbine Hall.

The installation was known as ‘The Weather Project’. When I entered the large open space or the Turbine Hall, people were lying on the floor as if lying in the sunshine in a park. I did the same. At once, I experienced connection with the strangers around me, it felt like being a part of the artwork.

Evening Tide | The Sacred Lives of Trees €480

Acquire Evening Tide €480

Amsterdam | Riijks Museum

The Jewish Bride | Rembrandt (usage rights granted)

On a flight to Amsterdam in 2013, a passenger informed me of the re-opening of the Riijks Museum which had been clsoed fora long time due to renovations.

For most people Rembrandts ‘The Night Watch’ (1642) was the high point. For me it was his painting ‘The Jewish Bride’ (1667), with its couple so sweetly combined. I was particularly in awe of the real-life sensation of the clothing, as if real threads of red and gold had been woven throughout the paint. It was stunning to behold.

Rome | The Sistine Chapel

Seeing Michael Angelo's work in real life meant he could no longer exist in my head as a mythical figure. I marvelled at his work in the Sistine Chapel created during the years 1508 – 1512, a demonstration of the Italian Renaissance style. Our tour guide explained a lot about that era and the artwork, which depicts scenes from the Old Testament of the Catholic Bible.

"In life we are often challenged by elements of our society. Art also presents these challenges, calling us to expand our view of the world we live in and to make our own determinations."
Caroline Cunningham, Artist

Vienna | Belvedere Palace

The Belvedere Palace, home of the largest collection of Gustav Klimt’s paintings including his famous work ‘The Kiss, and also the place to visit the works of other well known Austrian artists. Here I discovered Egon Schiele (1890 – 1918), who's works were both startling and fascinating to my younger self.

I sensed sadness in his works. Many portrayed raw, contorted and sexual expressions of the human figure. His short life was not without controversy however. In life we are often challenged by elements of our society. Art also presents these challenges and calling us to expand our view of the world we live in and to make our own determinations.

Explore Birth of a City Collection

Keep Your Dreams Alive

Art and travel have helped to keep my dreams alive. Overall it's a process of staying alive in this mad and chaotic world. There's beauty and intelligence all around us but we miss if we are not attentive. We need art to keep us sane in the here and now and to help on our way to a better place.

Explore my artwork in the interest of feeding your own dreams. You'll find vibrant colours of 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. For art inspiration and exclusive invites straight to your in-box sign up here.

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Shaws Nationwide Artist in Carlow

Shaws Department Store

Do you rememeber the Shaw’s radio advert from years ago? The one with the catch-phrase ‘Shaws – almost nationwide’, that one.

Well, they're no longer 'almost' they are fully nationwide. And now, I too can claim to be nationwide after my feature on the RTE series of that title. It's fitting then, that my art is being displayed in Shaw's windows during this year’s Carlow Arts Festival (2018).

Shaw’s is a family owned business in its fourth generation since Henry Shaw first opened its doors in 1864. Many Carlovians have grown up with Shaw’s department store being at the heart of their shopping experience.

Nationwide team Helen and Paul with Caroline Cunningham

Nationwide Artist in 2018

In October 2018, following the publication of my book ‘Seven C’s to Calm – Reclaiming your Anxiety-free Self’, I was featured on RTE’s Nationwide, a popular prime-time television show-casing news-worthy story’s from around Ireland.

Thanks to reporter Helen McInerney, my artwork was featured along with my books and reflexology therapy.

Thanks also to Shaw’s department store in Carlow for their kind invitation to exhibit my art work once again in their window on Tullow Street, during the Carlow Arts Festival 2018.

The pieces on display will be mostly from my art collection entitled ‘The Sacred Lives of Trees’ which many are familiar with from my exhibits at Carlow Library and beyond.

Explore Tree Art Inspiration

Discover Art of Caroline

Add Colour Inspiration to Your Life

Explore my artwork in the interest of feeding your dreams and keeping them alive. Discover landscapes, trees, inspiration from travels in 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.

Visit Online Gallery

Return of the Sacred Trees - VIDEO TOUR

There's no imaginable excuse for missing out on my last tour of The Sacred Lives of Tree's that's because I made THIS VIDEO especially for you to enjoy (:

2025 Update

The Sacred Lives of Tree's exhibition tours were warmly received all over. While many of original paintings are now in good homes around Ireland and Europe, there's still some opportunity to obtain a piece in the form of print or painting. If you liked the virtual tour, pop over to my online gallery and discover your own perfect tree art work.

Explore The Sacred Lives of Trees Collection

The Men in the Tree

‘Who are in the men in tree?’ A busy exhibition opening night had come to a close and a few of my friends were awaiting an answer to this question. Seeing my puzzled expression, they beckoned me to stand before my ‘Treedom Series 3' painting.

Inspired by a very old and majestic beech tree anchored at my home-place, Treedom had pride of place as part of my collection ‘The Sacred Lives of Trees’.

This particular Treedom had been cast in a very spontaneous moment of splashing and merging of paint. I had studied the tree many times throughout the seasons, watching the sun-light traversing its branches as autumn spun into winter. Treedom 1 and 2 had been more meticulous in my measurement of colours. ‘Treedom 3’ came like an avalanche to the canvas.

"Treedom 3’ came like an avalanche to the canvas."

My friends had been quietly observing the piece from across the room during my opening event. They pointed our the many faces and bodies of men peering from the branches of the tree. As I took a closer look they began to emerge. In truth, I hadn't noticed them before.

I've experienced things in my lifetime that point towards the unseen world which none can successfully identify or explain. Is there another realm that we cannot see except in dreams and trances and in creative passage?

I leave you to ponder it all. How many faces do you see in Treedom?

Take a Closer Look at Treedom

Add Colour & Inspiration to Your Life

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 artwork in the interest of feeding your own dreams and keeping them alive. Discover 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.

Choose Inspiration for your Home

Autumn Leaves & Dreams - Carlow Creative Event

Autumn Leaves and Dreams
Venue: The Shaw Room, Carlow Library

September 29^th to October 6^th2018

Art of Caroline:

View my artwork inspired by nature and dreams on a theme of well-being and simplicity. Explore original paintings from The Sacred Lives of Trees, including a selection of limited edition prints, books and greetings cards.

Wellness Workshop:

I'l be providing a self-care workshop designed to support people who live with the discomfort and restrictions of anxiety. I'll be out-lineing the ‘Seven C’s to Calm’ as per my book of the same title.

"Art and creativity are as important as the bees for our continued survival."
An Art Client’s Comment

An Evening of Poetry & Singing

To finish week of creative events, I provide an evening of songs in the Irish and English language, along with poetry from my book The Whisperings of Nature.

Thank You to Carlow Library

My creative and wellness events have been offered free of charge to allow the public the opportunity to sample and benefit from my work. I'm a self-funded artist and have been very fortunate to have the support of Carlow Library who've generously provided me with a beautiful space to host my creative events. By purchasing my art work and books you allow me to continue on this creative path of giving to others.

Explore Art of Caroline

Add Colour & Inspiration to Your Life

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 artwork in the interest of feeding your own dreams and keeping 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 some limited editions.

See something you like, get in touch, make it yours!

Explore Art of Caroline

The Fishermans Mother - Look at me now!

Look at Me Now

Do you know those moments when you realise how much you have actually transformed yourself as a result of having dared to take the road less travelled to follow your Authentic Path?

One summer I was reunited with a dear old friend, from the days when I worked in the corporate sector. She had the ability to ignite my imagination and lift me from an environment that wasn’t suited to my sensibilities.

A cramped office, surrounded by folk who resented being so close to each other, carrying out tasks they felt were beneath their true capabilities. For me it was just a means to an end. Tension was rife at times. Lunch time was my only escape from a boss who seemed to think he was the gunman in an old spaghetti western and who treated most of his colleagues as his worst enemies.

Not far from this edgy existence, Irelands National Art Gallery provided a quiet bench for me to take my lunch in peace before entering to view inspiring works of art.

"She still had that extra-ordinary glow and wisdom shining through her eyes, just as artist Helen Mable Trevor had captured."

My University of Art

I made many interesting discoveries during my lunchtime visits to the gallery. I found out that William Dargan (1799-1867), the great Irish railway magnate, was originally from Carlow, my home county. Also, George Bernard Shaw who bequeathed one third of his royalties to the National Gallery, also had a Carlow connection on his mother’s side. Shaw described the National Gallery as his ‘University’. I decided to make it mine too.

During every visit, there was one painting that became a ‘must-see’ for me. Looking back now, I think we were in conversations with each other. Eventually, I left that ‘unsuitable’ office environment and moved further from the city. My visits were less frequent and eventually the National Gallery closed many of its doors in order to facilitate a major refurbishment project that took at least six years to complete.

"Here I stood, having exhibited my artwork many times, an author of books and blogs, a traveller of the world, a therapist and someone with wonderful friendships & connections made in the process."
Caroline Cunningham
Authentic Path Coach, Author & Artist

The Fisherman’s Mother by Helen Mable Trevor

Revisiting The Fisherman’s Mother

Summer 2017, the doors reopened. I went to visit my old friend. I knew she would be there. I went straight to the spot, just like I used to do when I had lived nearby. I stood before ‘The Fisherman’s Mother’ with a few fond tears in my eyes. ‘Look at you now’, it was like we were both saying this to each other. She still had that extra-ordinary glow and wisdom shining through her eyes, just as artist Helen Mable Trevor had captured.

I stood before my old pal realising how much I had achieved since she had last gazed upon me. I was no longer standing at the edges of the world of creatives.

I was transported back to those days of standing before ‘The Fisherman’s Mother’. Had she been imparting her message all along? ‘I’ve lived, I know a thing or two. Don’t be foolish. Work hard at the right things. Be true to yourself.’ I had heard her loud and clear.

What about Your Authentic Path?

Are you someone who is searching for purpose and meaning in life? Are you curious about the opportunities and adventures that could unfold if you dared to step out of your comfort zone? Do you know what holds you back?

This story gives you a window into my journey along the Authentic Path which calls for developing confidence, trust, along with calling on courage and the innate gifts you possess. What steps are you willing to take to bring more of your authenticity into the light for the benefit the world? Make a start today by signing up here for Authentic Path inspiration and offers.

I want Inspiration for my Authentic Path

What People Are Saying About Trees

Keep the Tree Conversation Alive

The Sacred Lives of Trees Grows:

Explore The Sacred Lives of Trees

Art Honours Nature

PUT IN YOUR CALENDAR:

Focus on Inclusivity & Reaching Out

Add Colour Inspiration to Your Home or Work-Space:

Exhibition Details

Add Colour Inspiration to Your Life

The Benefits of Grounding Yourself

Tree Meditation

Sacred Lives of Tree's Tour

Add Tree Inspiration to Your Walls

Jack B. Yeats (1871 1957)

Monet & Friends

Harry Clarke 1889 - 1931

Art Travel Beyond Ireland

Get Invited

London | The Tate Gallery

Amsterdam | Riijks Museum

Rome | The Sistine Chapel

Vienna | Belvedere Palace

Keep Your Dreams Alive

Shaws Department Store

Nationwide Artist in 2018

Add Colour Inspiration to Your Life

2025 Update

Add Colour & Inspiration to Your Life

Autumn Leaves and DreamsVenue: The Shaw Room, Carlow Library

Art of Caroline:

Wellness Workshop:

An Evening of Poetry & Singing

Thank You to Carlow Library

Add Colour & Inspiration to Your Life

Look at Me Now

My University of Art

Revisiting The Fisherman’s Mother

What about Your Authentic Path?

Choose Your Path to Wellness & Success

Autumn Leaves and Dreams
Venue: The Shaw Room, Carlow Library