‘I took some art classes, and it changed my life’

An Oldcastle artist is launching her first ever exhibition, and hopes that it will “ inspire other women and mothers to do what they love”.

Kim Gaffney is a mother, occupational therapist and artist. The latter is only a recent addition. Like many Kim was passionate about art at school but never pursued it.

“I had a brilliant life and a career I loved, with a gorgeous husband and three young children, but four years ago while on maternity leave with my youngest son I was feeling lost. I had lost the sense of myself somewhere along the way.

“I took some art classes, and it changed my life. My art, my confidence, and my dreams grew steadily. I found myself progressing from doing paintings for myself, then for gifts and then commissions.”

This rapid upward trajectory has seen her start up her own business in August. “I set up Kim Gaffney Art and I am loving every second of it,” she says, adding that she received “amazing” help from her local LEO office. “I paint commissions, original art and make limited edition prints and textiles from my art.”

Kim refers to a dramatic painting of a horse titled 'Reflection'.

“To me it sums up the strength and power that I feel as a woman running a small business doing what she loves and balancing the day job and family life.”

It will all culminate this week with her first exhibition.

“This exhibition showcases my wildlife and floral collection of original oil paintings, prints and cushions,” says Kim.

The ethos behind her artworks informed the title of her forthcoming exhibition.

“My ethos is about bringing nature in and using art to create a sense of colour and life in the interior world. I love painting wildlife and flowers and have moved to a more contemporary approach in my latest art pieces,” she explains. Kim hopes that her story will inspire other women to pursue their dreams.

“Balancing raising a young family, working and pursuing my art career in rural Ireland has been a challenge but it has been amazing and I would love to empower other women to do what they love.”

Kim Gaffney's exhibition 'Bringing Nature In' will be launched in Nan's Bar, Oldcastle on Thursday, November 11.

It will run for one week in the Oldcastle Library where it can be viewed, adhering to all Covid regulations. All of her work will be available for purchase on the night.