My Journal

So the dream of living by the sea has become reality, not exactly as I'd imagined it but close enough.  If someone had told me 2 years ago I'd be living in the middle of a town, I would have said they were crazy.  But life has a way of surprising us and I’m happy to say it still has the ability to surprise me.

When we set out on this new adventure over a year ago, having sold our family home and made the decision to move to West Cork, I had a very different image in mind.  Something old I'd imagined, with character, a nice garden, lots of space for dogs and visitors, and of course sea views.  It didn’t take long before I was relieved of that notion.   Sadly, not an idyll available to those of limited means.   Being Covid times, after much on-line trawling and some disappointing property viewings, many of which were damp and derelict, others isolated, unloved or simply unsuitable, we realised it was time to review the plan.

Which is why now, a year on, we find ourselves the proud owners of an elegant town house in the middle of a small but lively town by the sea in West Cork and already it feels like home.  The perfect compromise you might say.  It needs a little work but heh what house doesn't?!  Well maybe a bit more than a little.   Unfortunately, as anyone trying to get building or renovation work done at the moment knows.... well it’s just not going to get done any time soon.  Suffice to say, it may be a while yet before we get to unpack the Stuff I spoke about last time from their carefully packed boxes. 

Thankfully I have my studio!

Like everything else, it's taken a while but with the help of my good friend Brian, the new studio is set up and working a treat.  His ingenious solutions to my storage problems have made my life a whole lot easier.  I still have too much stuff but gradually it's finding a home and familiar clutter has a new look. The dogs have chosen their sleeping spots and it’s starting to feel like a proper work space.  Hadn’t realised how much I missed the smell of paint.   Even the dogs seem to find it comforting, given an open door they just head on in.

I never believed a house could have a personality but this one has.  Built around 1820, it feels a bit like an elderly gentleman who appreciates the finer things in life but lacks the means to acquire them.  It was used for over 40 years as a Police station after the previous one was blown up during the war of independence.  In fact we even had a visit from one of its last serving 'Gardai', who remembered as a young recruit in the 1960's sleeping in the room that's now my studio with his suitcase on a shelf above his head.

We've had a wonderful first summer.  People are friendly and welcoming and with lots of new places to explore, we've only skimmed the surface.  Everything is different, scenery, sounds, smells, faces, yet somehow it feels familiar and in some ways, like I've been here forever.   

It’s hardly surprising then that my painting too has gone through some big changes.  Without the constraints of past routines and habits, I’ve been able to enjoy working with more freedom.  It feels exciting to work in a more intuitive way and I've had fun exploring new mediums and materials.  I’m not sure yet where it’s going but I look forward to seeing where it takes me.

I hope to post some of this new work shortly on my website.  If you would like to be notified of the Post and have not done so already, sign up here to be included on my mailing list and I will be sure to keep you updated.

You can also follow me Here, as I continue along the scenic route of my artistic journey on Instagram.

For now, stay well.

Caroline