The Kilkenny Portrait Show opened its doors last week. I walked in as a nervous artist. I walked out feeling completely different. Gallery an Chéad Tine hosted the event. Mary curated every piece with care. Salvatore of Lucan selected the artists. Their work transformed the space into something magical.
My painting hung on those white walls. Its title is “Away with the Fairies.” I painted it during a dark creative period. The canvas stayed blank for weeks. Fear paralyzed my brush. I wanted everything to be perfect. That need stopped me completely. The irony still makes me smile.
The Self Portrait That Told My Truth
I painted myself staring at nothing. A blank canvas sits before me. A tiny version of me perches on a plastic chair. That little figure paints imaginary strokes in midair. The contrast says everything. Big me stays frozen. Little me keeps creating freely.
Oil paint brought this vision to life. The canvas measures 46 by 61 centimeters. Every brushstroke carries my frustration. Every color choice reflects my struggle. I poured three weeks of silence into that work. The painting finally broke my creative block.
A Night of Connection and Laughter
The exhibition opening buzzed with energy. Artists mingled with art lovers. Wine glasses clinked in celebration. I wore my special outfit that night. My skirt displayed tiny painted frames. My corset repeated the same motif. A miniature plastic chair sat in my hair.
Then I met Salvatore. He congratulated me warmly. I felt starstruck and speechless. After he walked away, I realized my mistake: I forgot to take a photo with him.
What could I do about this oversight? I laughed at my own awkwardness. Later that night, I picked up my sketchbook. I drew Salvatore from memory. His portrait now sits beside my painting photos. That illustration became my favorite souvenir. It captures the night’s spirit perfectly.
Why This Exhibition Matters to Me
The Kilkenny Portrait Show gave me confidence again. It proved my art connects with others. Mary’s curation created a safe space for expression. Salvatore’s selection validated my creative voice. Gallery an Chéad Tine offered the perfect backdrop.
Creative paralysis affects many artists. We feel alone in that struggle. Sharing my work changed that isolation. Other artists approached me with similar stories. We exchanged experiences and encouragement. The exhibition fostered genuine community.
Looking Forward for next year’s Kilkenny Portrait Show
This experience reignited my passion. I started three new paintings already. The fear of imperfection has faded. I embrace the messy process now. Every brushstroke leads somewhere valuable.
The Kilkenny Portrait Show taught me something profound. Art needs vulnerability to thrive. Perfect art simply does not exist. Real art comes from honest places. My self portrait proved that truth.
Will I attend next year’s show? Absolutely. I will bring more paintings. I will take that photo with Salvatore. And I will wear my tiny chair hairpiece again. Some traditions deserve repeating.
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Happy inking! 🎀