Apr 19

Apr 19 From Participant to Artist

We are very proud to bring to you two success stories of Duncairn arts & crafts courses participants who moved on to create their own art practice and businesses.

If you have a similar experience, we’d love to hear about it! Get in touch with our Impact Evaluation Officer at federica[at]174trust.org.

Linzi Conway Art

In 2022 Linzi joined her first art course at the Duncairn: Sketching and Drawing with Eimear Maguire. Linzi studied Art at A Level with the intention of studying art at university, but decided on a different course of study, although always maintained her love of art. Career and motherhood took priority for a while until more recently Linzi found herself recently drawn back to art, realising it was "now or never" to explore the potential of becoming an artist. Linzi remembers arriving at her first class feeling very insecure in her skills, wondering if her ability to do art was still there somewhere. She found in Eimear a supportive tutor, who allowed her to refresh her skills and develop new ones. Her fellow course participants were also very supportive and encouraging when appreciating her work. At the end of the course, Linzi found new happiness in her artistic accomplishments, which pushed her to sign up for more art classes.

Linzi brought art back into her home, inspiring her daughter and sister to join some art classes with her. Her closest family has been supportive of Linzi’s re-found passion for art and her daughter helped her set up an Instagram account as well as an Etsy shop for her paintings. Linzi’s confidence in her skill has grown so much in such a short time as she is receiving confirmation from the public as she gets commissions for pet portraits.

“The Duncairn gave me back a skill I thought I didn’t have anymore and opened a new chapter of my life”.

Linzi’s ambition is now to help others through their art journeys, sharing her experience with them and helping them set up their own art business.

Find Linzi on Facebook and on Etsy

Bheann Mhadagáin Barrels

In 2019, Brendan joined the fiddle-making course at the Duncairn. At the time he was working full-time caring for people affected by the conflict. After a day of dealing with such an intense job, the course was an opportunity to take care of his own mental well-being. It was like a self-care, restorative moment in the week: a chance to recharge. Brendan recalls the amazing tutor, whose commitment to helping participants finish the project meant they met up to 3 times a week towards the end.

“I really enjoyed the challenge of getting things just right so that every piece fits perfectly. I was really proud of the end product, which gave me the confidence to take on a small project at home: building a garden fence. It was basic woodwork, but again it gave me a sense of achievement. I really enjoy the problem-solving side of making things. As you learn about woodwork, you learn about yourself, how you manage difficulties and solve problems.”

After Covid and his mother passed, Brendan realised he was burnt out at work and needed a change. He reduced his working week to 2 days, dedicating the rest of the week to building his woodwork business focused on repurposing old whiskey barrels into new bespoke objects. The fiddle-making course has been crucial to reaching this decision as he felt he had built the skills to reach a professional finish standard for his creations. The “Go for It” Programme by Belfast City Council, was useful in creating a business plan and setting up a stall in Saint George’s market.

“I have loads of fun when I’m working, with a good podcast and the sun on my neck I feel very content. That’s priceless. There’s something about taking an old barrel and re-imagining it, re-shaping it into something else, an idea you have in your head. And the confirmation you get from people who appreciate your work, that’s really good for your ego. It’s hard work, but it pays off.”

You can find Brendan at Saint George’s Market every Saturday and Sunday and on Facebook.