Local artist goes from Caring to Canvas

JACINTA Glasgow, nurse manager and healing therapist, combines a career in caring with the healing power of painting, in an exhibition of her original works at the Nenagh Arts Centre, Banba Square, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary from May 20^th to June 30^th. The exhibition titled, “Inner Stillness – Achieving Balance” is a collection of colourful, uplifting works in acrylic on canvas, depicting vibrant images inspired by the natural world and inner journeys.

Glasgow, a native of Limerick, grew up in a large family where her creativity was nurtured and developed from an early age. She combines a passion for caring and creativity in her painting.

Jacinta has almost 40 years healthcare experience and professional development in Nursing. This culminated in the expansion of local services, to include a specialist nurse-led clinic at Nenagh Hospital, which she currently manages, providing education, treatment and support to patients with heart failure.

Training in holistic therapies, reflexology and energy healing modalities brings a new dimension to her nursing care, while caring for colleagues’ mental health and well-being, resulted in the development and facilitation of a staff wellness programme at Nenagh Hospital.

Jacinta’s art journey mirrors her nursing career with continuous learning and development using a variety of media and techniques to convey her life experiences. She studied Jungian psychology and art therapy, in South Tipperary Institute of Technology. This artist channels the empathy, emotions and resilience gained from nursing into the painting works she creates, balancing her self-care as her response to the world. Walking in the hills or woods near her home, trips to the coast and the joy of singing are a source of inspiration supporting her well-being after a busy work day. The artist works to integrate the healing power of art into the local hospital environment.

The artist’s paintings are infused with vibrant colour and emotions, forming a connection with the viewer, highlighting the connection of all life through the essence within. The work draws on Jungian symbolism, travel and inner journeys in a meditative style. The artist explains her painting process. “I sit and contemplate in front of the blank canvas, clear my mind using breathwork, meditation or music and the response flows out of my brush in paint onto the canvas” she says. “The creative process can start with a word, song, or a concept e.g., peace or a phrase e.g., “Spring Equinox” and the idea of the light returning and expanding in our lives, returning us to balance”.

Glasgow has exhibited nationally and internationally and her work is on display in Nenagh Hospital and the University of Limerick Hospital, in addition to private collections in Ireland and Europe. The artist’s holistic healing centre “A Gift of Healing,” in Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary, combines her creativity and healing practices.

Glasgow’s exhibition “Inner Stillness - Achieving Balance”, will be launched by Dr Maeve O’ Sullivan, Assistant Professor at the J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, University of Galway. The launch will take place at 6pm on May 20^th at the Nenagh Arts Centre. Admission is free, all are welcome. The exhibition will run from May 20^th to June 30^th. Why not call in, take a look, and be inspired. Browsers are very welcome.

The artist expresses her appreciation to the staff of Nenagh Arts Centre, her family and friends and the wider community for their continued support. For further information visit Website: www.agiftofhealing.com or www.nenaghartscentre.com .