Hello
My name is Chanel, and I am a Visual Artist and Creative Entrepreneur from N.Ireland.
I am a mother of two amazing children who have just started high school and wife to a wonderful and hugely supportive husband, who I began dating back in Art College when we were just teenagers!
We are just a normal kind of a family, loving, quarreling and making up on a weekly basis. I work part-time alongside running my business and the household.
I love old things and am fascinated with heritage, so of course I would be living in a quaint, 1700's, white-washed, Irish Cottage! Situated in the stunning countryside of Royal Hillsborough, County Down and overlooking the Lagan Valley, Belfast Hills and on a clear day, you can just see the Sperrin Mountains.
I am totally blessed to be able to gather my daily inspirations from the nature and landscapes which surround me, while I create in my art studio at the top of my garden.
As an artist, my mind oozes creativity and is often a colourful space of imagination and ideas. Being creative, painting, teaching and curating help me take time away from the overthinking and makes time for some mindfulness.
I enjoy painting all subject matters and especially objects connected to nature and local landscapes. I use mixed media and most often acrylics, oil pastels and charcoal.
My Story
I have always had an artistic flair and left school to study
Art & Design at college, continuing on to a Fashion Design degree at University.
My creative skills have always supported me throughout my career path, which hasn't always been in the arts sector, such as retail, transport and charity management.
From having a strong passion towards helping others, my voluntary roles let me use these skills to encourage people to connect to the arts and get creative.
It has taken me to my 40's to understand what a beautiful gift I have been given and I believe that we all should use our gifts wisely and to help others where we can.
Our mental well-being is so important and I encourage people to enjoy time being creative,
as it is art that has helped me when personally battling with depression, illness and low points in life. My health hasn't always been great over my life, I developed Crohn's Disease when I was only 23 and have had several flare ups that resulted in sepsis, pneumonia and the last one in 2020, was Bovine TB after receiving Biologic treatment!
My art has helped me while being ill, during hospital stays and whilst in recovery.
The process of completing my artwork, has given me headspace, time not to think and a place to be mindful. I teach this through my Just Breathe & Create workshops.
Please take a look at my latest artwork and I hope you enjoy my pieces as much as I have enjoyed creating them.
''...A healthy mind aids overall wellness...''
...Love Chanel x
Artist in Residence
Artist in Residence at The Waterways Community College
This role awarded in 2023, has encouraged me to develop as an Artist, along with allowing me to manage my own group of Creatives in delivering an intense programme of workshops that respect our heritage and connect art with people and place along the Irish Blueways.