Jacinta Callaghan from Kerrykeel tells us how she is realising her dream of being an artist after 40 years.
A Donegal hairdresser has found highlights in lockdown after creating her own collection of artwork.
Jacinta Callaghan from Kerrykeel has been a hairdresser for 40 years, and an artist for almost the same length of time. Being an independent salon owner doesn’t afford much time for creative hobbies, but the recent lockdowns have given Jacinta time to don her overalls and get painting.
Now, a corner of Jacinta’s hair salon has been cleared to showcase her original paintings and gifts and her new website is live on www.jacintas.com
“If you could see me here, sitting in my overalls, covered in paint,” Jacinta laughs as we catch up on the phone.
“I have so much art to do. I am enjoying it so much.”
Inspiration isn’t too hard to come by, as much of Jacinta’s works are based on the Donegal landscape. Among her favourite scenes to paint are Fanad Lighthouse, White Shore and Warden Beach in Portsalon, while many other Donegal gems are set to be featured in her collections soon.
Jacinta has also transformed her captivating oil paintings into beautiful homeware gifts, including mugs, coasters, chopping boards, and cushions.
“It’s a little bit of home for people,” Jacinta says.
“People who live around here or who live away love to have something of their favourite place. There are people all over the world looking for a wee piece of Fanad Lighthouse,” Jacinta explains.
Painting was always a passion for Jacinta, but work and family life raising three children made the years pass by quickly. Last year however, she decided to overcome the challenge of time and dedicate three days each week to her art.
The hard work is paying off, as Jacinta sells more and more art from her salon and online.
“The day goes in so fast, I never thought in a million years I would take the time to do these things. But you should. I kept thinking ‘I must do it’ but now that I have done it and I can physically see my gift corner, and people are buying the art, it’s amazing. “
With her new gift collection ready to go, Jacinta is also enjoying having her salon reopened after another long closure. Now that her dual passions have come together, loyal hair clients have the extra treat of being pampered in a working art gallery.
Visit www.jacintas.com
August 15, 2021
Great concept great art. My hairdress is also an artist. It is creative genius! So glad to hear this. And just think I have an original painting of Ardnagetra house painted by you. Sweet! It hangs in a place of honor.