From the 1st to the 30th of June, my work will be on display at The Clew Bay Hotel in the heart of Westport, Co. Mayo, a place that now holds such a special part of my heart.

The exhibition will feature pieces from both my Atlantic Series and Explorer Series, two collections that have been a massive part of my creative journey this year. They represent not only my love for the wild, untamed beauty of the West but also the journey of finding my feet as an emerging artist. Each stroke of paint, every burst of colour, carries a memory, a story, or a spark of inspiration drawn from my surroundings.

I’ve always dreamt of moving west. The idea of swapping city streets for winding country roads, and the rush of traffic for the lull of the tide, had tugged at me for years. But like so many, I never really believed it would happen. Life tends to keep you busy with jobs, rent, and routines. Then, in a twist of fate, I met Brian, the Dublin boy to my country girl. Although, funnily enough, our roots were the opposite of what we appeared on the surface.

We moved in together during Covid, like many couples, suddenly spending more time in each other’s company than ever before. In those quiet months, the conversations about dreams and futures flowed. It didn’t take long for us to agree on one thing, we’d head west. The city’s rising prices, endless traffic, and relentless pace had lost their charm. We wanted something slower, something meaningful. A home, a garden, the sea on our doorstep.

We found a house in need of love, and in true ‘do-it-yourself’ spirit, we rolled up our sleeves. Skip after skip, wall after wall, we stripped it back to its bones. With the help of some incredible tradesmen and months of hard graft, we finally moved in. But that was just the start of the life we’d both craved.

What followed has been nothing short of magic. Days spent hiking, camping under starry skies, bird watching along the coast, and lazy afternoons by wandering Clew Bay. We immersed ourselves in the landscape and let it show us what really matters. For me, it reignited a creative spark I hadn’t realised had dulled. I turned the spare room into a tiny, chaotic studio and picked up my brushes again.

The plan was always to launch my art career in 2025, and it’s fair to say it’s been a rollercoaster already. There’s been endless planning, the occasional pitfall, and so many unexpected lessons along the way. But here we are, the online shop is live, and now my first exhibition is about to open. The support I’ve received has been immense, from community, friends and family to complete strangers who’ve taken the time to reach out. The joy it’s brought to my heart is genuinely unmeasurable.

If you find yourself in Westport this June, please pop into The Clew Bay Hotel and have a look. The exhibition runs for the entire month, and I’d love nothing more than to chat about the work. If you fancy a walk through, I’m usually no more than ten minutes away. Just ask at reception, and if I’m free, I’ll gladly call down.

This is more than an exhibition for me. It’s a milestone, a love letter to the West, and a testament to following your heart, even when it feels impossible. I can’t wait to share it with you.