Meet the Maker: Caoimhe M Flanagan

What led you to a career in art?

I’ve always been a creative person and, from a young age, I had a strong passion for art and illustrating little fairy tales I had written.

After school, I studied art for a year before changing courses to study English and geography, which I also loved.

I then went on and studied a post graduate diploma in arts policy and practice in NUIG.

It was during that course that I realised how much I wanted to work in a more creative field.

Then, in 2015, I set up Willow Wood Lane, my art business, where I offer art prints and greeting cards featuring my original wildlife and botanical drawings.

Can you talk me through your book?

It has always been my lifelong dream to write and illustrate a children’s book and, in November 2023, I finally released Willow Wood Land and The World of Yesterday.

An illustrated chapter book for readers aged seven-plus, a girl named Aria, born with magic in her soul, half human and half fairy who discovers her ability to visit the enchanting fairy world of Willow Wood Land.

When her dear friend Lu becomes trapped in the ‘World of Yesterday’, Aria embarks on a brave quest to rescue her friend with the help of a few local folk. It is the first in a planned series.

My book is very much so inspired by the stunning Co Monaghan natural landscape and cherished childhood memories spent in my grandfather's cottage garden.

His garden was truly magical and it not only inspired my book, but also my love of gardening.

In 2018, my little family and I relocated to my grandparents' cottage in the countryside and embarked on the task of restoring the garden after 20 years of neglect.

With each passing season, the garden gradually regained its magic and all those fairy stories from my childhood came flooding back.

Coupled with that, I was now watching my own little ones searching for fairies in the garden.

So, in 2020, when we found ourselves confined to our homes, I began writing. The trees in the garden all became characters in the story.

My beautiful copper beech tree became Laurie, the true guardian of Willow Wood Land, very much so inspired by my dear grandfather.

What is your biggest creative achievement to date?

Opting to self-publish granted me complete creative freedom and although it took me a couple of years, the day I held the completed book in my hands was truly a pinch-me moment.

However, the most significant creative milestone for me was hearing from parents about how much their children loved the story and receiving photos of little ones dressed as characters from my book on World Book Day. That honestly made my year!

What guidance would you offer individuals considering a career in art?

I had been contemplating starting my art business for years before I finally mustered the courage to do so.

Looking back, I wish I had taken the leap sooner. A lack of confidence held me back I think and the fear of failing.

I once came across a quote that really resonated with me: "The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding."

So, I suppose my advice to anyone with a true passion for their craft is to go for it, believe in yourself and your artistic vision, and don't shy away from taking risks.

Try not to compare yourself to others and most of all be kind to yourself.

It is so scary putting your work out there, but we are lucky because there is such a supportive community of Irish crafters and writers online. I’ve been lucky enough to make lifelong friends.

What are your hopes for the future?

My mind is full of stories, so I hope to release many more children’s books in the future.

I am currently working on book number two in the Willow Wood Land series. I also plan to publish some picture books for the younger audience.

Caoimhe’s book is available in many book shops around Ireland and online on the buythebook.ie website. More of Caoimhe’s work can be found on www.willowwoodlane.com.

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