Person to Person: I came to my art career in my 40s

Tell us about yourself:

After being made redundant twice, I decided to back myself and create my own art business, Cantillona Design. With a BA in languages and and MA in International Relations, I spent years working in banking, the tech sector and events industry, between Dublin, London, Munich and Barcelona - only coming to my art career in my 40s. The timing of my venture hasn’t been the best, overlapping with some serious challenges like Brexit, Covid, and lately the cost of living crisis. 

It has been a huge growth journey and learning curve. But with the launch of my first ever exhibition, I’m feeling cautiously optimistic.

Where were you born?

I’m from Shannon in Co. Clare. I left Shannon to go to college in Dublin at 18 and haven’t lived there since, but my mum and dad still do so I get to go and visit.

Where do you live?

I’ve been living in Kinsale for the last 17 years. I’ve been there nearly as long as I lived in Shannon. Kinsale really feels like home for me now.

Family?

Married to Dom, we have three kids; Sam, Izzy and Ted. And everybody’s favourite family member is our fur baby, Buddy the cocakpoo.

Best friend?

Just one?!?! ARGH! Marcie is my oldest, longest friend. We met as six month old babies. She has always been super-chatty and really funny.

 We went to playschool together. She was my voice when I was painfully shy and didn’t use my own. 

I was devastated when she moved to Ennis when we were about six. I had to find my own voice then. I see her when I go to visit my mum and dad in Clare.

Earliest childhood memory?

I used to cry all the time going into play- school and I have a memory of my dad dropping me off and being all upset when he had to go.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

We have been holidaying in Ibiza for a good few years now and it never gets old. It’s like a balm for my soul, I feel it is where I come back into my body. It definitely recalibrates me.

I love the vibe, its really cool and chilled, great people-watching, stunning sunsets, lovely beaches, yummy food. 

I love the heat, the geckos, the hippy market, the old town, the bougainvillea flowers. What’s not to love!

Favourite TV programme?

I absolutely adore Ted Lasso. Before the opening credits finish, I’m beaming and giggling in anticipation. The theme song is a feelgood one, and the whole show is high vibe.

Favourite restaurant?

Tough one. I live in Kinsale and we are spoiled for choice, but firm family favourites in our house include The White Lady, Fishy Fishy, Man Friday, The Supper Club, and The Bulman.

Last book you read?

Scattered Minds, The Origins And Healing Of Attention Deficit Disorder, by Gabor Maté. Like many women, I’ve self diagnosed myself with ADD. I’ve really enjoyed this book - it’s so interesting to read about and see yourself on every second page!

Best book you read? So, there is a book that I have as an audio book and an actual book. I have listened to it easily four times at this stage and read it at least twice. It’s a little orange book called Manifest by Roxie Nafousi. I went to see her at an intimate, live event in Ibiza a few years ago, and now she sells out massive theatres and has a huge following. It’s certainly one that calls me back to it over and over again.

What is the last album you bought?

Right now I’m loving James Vincent McMorrow’s new track, Give Up. I love the addition of his little girl’s voice in the music - her four-year-old voice is really cute and super-appealing. Nice beat. It’s sweet n funky!

Favourite song?

No Diggity by Blackstreet and Dr Dre, It is hard to stay still when it comes on!

One person you would like to see in concert?

I’m going to see my favourites in June. LCD Soundsystem are coming back to Malahide Castle and I can’t wait.

Morning person or night owl?

100% morning person!

Your proudest moment?

My first ever exhibition is on in the Grey Heron in Bandon for the month of April. I launched it on April 6 and it is hands down my proudest moment. It’s called Shine and it includes a series of portraiture I did of Bandonians who are excelling in sport, the arts and adventure. The ‘Bandon Treasures’ portraits were initially commissioned by Creative Bandon and Bandon Tidy Towns, with the support of Cork County Council’s Arts Office.

The portraits now adorn the ESB Boxes on South Main Street, so as to shine a light on the achievements of locals in their hometown.

Along with the ‘Bandon Treasures’, the Shine exhibition showcases another kind of portraiture, that of animals. My work is drawn in pencil with a whole lot of heart and sensitivity, approaching the subjects with a great deal of warmth and tenderness.

Cllrs Sean O’Donovan and Gillian Coughlan officially opened the exhibition and lots of the Bandon treasures were there. It was a real feel-good experience, great to see everyone working so well together and enjoying each other’s success and talents. It was very special.

Name one thing you would improve in your area in which you live?

There are lots of buildings that are vacant. I wish they would be made available for short- term pop-ups or let artists display their work while the owners decide what to do with them. 

For now, they are just empty spaces that are falling further into disrepair.

What makes you happy?

Very simple things, like walking - I walk a lot, sometimes alone, sometimes with friends. I always feel better for a walk. My head and my body both thank me for it. Even if I have walked the same way a gazillion times, I always see something new or different. It’s soul food for me. A sunset, the full moon, laughing, coffee, chocolate. Simple things really. Family and friends.

What else are you up to at the moment?

I’ve some lovely things on the go and on the horizon. Incognito 2024 just went live and I have three art works in the mix - there are more than 3,000 postcard size artworks donated and available to view online now. 

They will go on sale on April 24 and each postcard costs €65 with all proceeds going to Jack and Jill Foundation. There are lots of really wonderful Cork artists involved.

Douglass Week is coming up in April. I drew a portrait of the wonderful Frederick Douglass a couple of years ago and am delighted that it will feature in some of the Cork events.

I’m working with a couple of local businesses on some really nice projects.

I’m in planning mode for my upcoming exhibition in Cork Airport for the month of June. And I’m getting ready for the tourist season to kick off and putting on my tour guiding hat again - it’s a side hustle that inspires and delights me.