An artist, reiki master and designer of wearable art will be sharing positive energy through her designs at Gifted, the Contemporary Craft and Design Fair which takes place at the RDS from December 6-10.
Clare O’Connor creates art and a brand which aims to empower us to be our true selves and as a Reiki master she imbues her creations with a special touch.
“I believe in creating paintings & designs that communicate a sense of positive energy and I always begin my creative process with an uplifting intention,” said the designer behind Clare O’Connor Luxury Irish Design, based in Dunboyne, Co Meath.
“I’m very sensitive to energy and have always been aware of how tangible it is, which you can actually feel as a Reiki master.”
“I have always been hugely into self-development, meditation & crystals and I was really drawn to reiki and energy healing over the past 15 years. I mainly pursued this interest for myself, to channel energy through my work and to use it as a form of self-care for myself and my animals. My cats adore reiki.”
“What I particularly love about combining these interests is when I began creating scarves because of the significance of them going around your neck and throat. Your throat is associated with your throat chakra and this is where you speak your truth.”
As the chairperson of the recently established Meath Made, an exciting new creative collective in Co. Meath, the wearable art designer, has a talent for wearing many hats.
Originally a graphic designer, Clare felt the profession lacked the creative freedom she needed so she decided to study painting, printmaking and photography in her late twenties.
Her work brought her to Berlin, where she worked as an artist assistant and later to Venice, where she supplemented her artistic career by working in the biennale, as an English teacher, a tour guide and a wedding celebrant, all while creating a significant body of artwork.
Turning 40 marked a personal and professional turning point for the designer, who decided to move back to her native Meath to set up a business, with her three Venetian cats in tow.
“It got to 2017, I was turning 40 and I reached a point where I had to decide if I was going to stay or go.”
“I was sick of working for other people and wanted long-term security utilizing all my skills and my creative practice.”
“I missed normal life and was aware that trying to set up a business in Italy is extremely difficult, so it felt like the right time to come home.”
“I launched my brand six years ago and have been fine tuning and developing it ever since. I started with scarves, then cushions, masks, tote bags and dresses, Last year I launched an eco-friendly umbrella range made from RPET which is a fabric made from recycled bottles, and this year, I finally fulfilled my ambition of creating kimonos.”
Clare O’Connor will be exhibiting at Gifted, the Contemporary Craft and Design Fair, for the first time at Dublin’s RDS from Wednesday, December 6 to Sunday, December 10. Full details and booking at www.giftedfair.ie.
