More hours in the day!

Morning all and what a glorious morning it is!! Sun shining here in Belfast and there is a spring in my step (trying to ignore the fact that I've a cold and sore throat!!!)

Am just back from the printers, having some of my textiles scanned so I can sell them as prints, very excited to see how they will turn out! I also dropped off my mural design at the local community centre and was delighted to hear that they are going to also add my design as a wrap around on their minibus!! Very exciting to think of my little drawings travelling all over Belfast and further a field!

Today is my only full day of the week that I get to work. My mother in law minds my little kiddiewinkles so I can get some work done. The rest of the week I only have a few hours in the morning when my youngest is at playschool, to get things done. Time is such a precious thing to me. I am becoming increasingly more busy with commissions and with my Victoria Square market stall that I really need more time!! yes, there are a few quiet hours at night when I finally get the kids to bed, but by then I am usually plain tuckered!

This week I need to finish an illustration for my sister in laws wedding stationary, finish painting an 'owl' themed illustration and make 3 textile pieces (all commissions).....so enough of this writing business...gotta get the sewing machine out!!

Thanks for stopping by, have a lovely sunny day whether it's sunny or not :0) Ciara

A family Affair

Well hello little Blog...I'm so sorry I have neglected you so badly!!! :0(
Smudge Illustration has been kinda busy of late with selling at Victoria Square Sunday market, illustration commissions, mural designs and textile commissions...so I'm afraid blogging has come at the bottom of the list!
Today I thought I would share a little more about me and my background in art......

These days I feel truly blessed to be finally doing what I love to do. I am a busy full time mother to my two kiddiewinkles, age 5 and 3, so finding time to get my art done is a challenge....but I love a challenge...in fact I think I thrive on it.

My passion and talent for art seems to come from my mother's side of the family. My mum Freda, is a sculptor, her sister Mary also a sculptor and her brother John a painter and stain glass window designer! So it's definitely in the blood. My own super talented sister  is an art teacher and my super talented brother is a fine artist!! Then there's me....doing a little bit of everything....painting, illustrating, sewing, felting.....writing children's stories, novels.... adding glitter to everything were possible!!

I have always loved to draw and paint and even when I worked for many years as an occupational therapist I still kept it up ...even gave pottery a whirl!!

 Now I no longer work as an occupational therapist and am trying to establish my little 'Smudge' business. This takes hard work and perseverance....these attributes I definitely get from my lovely dad, Terry!!

Thought I'd share a few picture of my family's creations!

Here are Daddy and Baby Bronze Penguins my mum has made ...to be exhibited in Belfast soon. Definitely my favourite! A little different from my own penguin's!.........

 

A little ACEO by Ciara Gilmore McCleery (me!)

Ring a Ring a Rosie's A bronze by Freda Gilmore (my lovely mum!) check out her other creations at ... https://sites.google.com/site/fredagilmoresculptor/

My brother Chris, has amazing talent and is an extraordinary fine art painter especially of children....

By Chris Gilmore

My sister Nicola is a brilliant art teacher in a Belfast Grammar school. Although working part time and bringing up her two wee ones, she still finds the time to paint and exhibit her work. Here's a little peek at a painting.... Belfast Titanic Drawing offices.



My Uncle John  designed a new stained glass window celebrating the Dockers` and Carters` Strike of 1907. Unveiled in Belfast's City hall. Sorry very small pic..

My Aunt Mary has been sculpting in bronze for many years. Here is a lovely piece she made as a wedding gift for me and my hubby.....

So there you are...lots of Art going on in my family...always great to see what everyone is creating next!

Thanks for stopping by the 'Smudge Illlustration Blog' hope to get my next post out a little quicker than this one!

Ciara :0)