‘The body is an amazing vessel’
Ray Lucey
“‘Pink Swim’ was created during a time when I cared full time for my father who was suffering from a chronic illness.”
Those were the words of Cork based Nua Collective artist Carol Healy speaking about her piece of work which is to be auctioned to raise funds for Marymount Hospice.
Nua Collective is hosting the charity art auction in collaboration with Marymount Hospice. This unique event features a new artwork, ‘Pink Swim’, a watercolour painting, accented with pastel and gold leaf.
Carol told the Cork Independent: “Whenever I could carve out some time for myself, I’d head to the sea, to swim in all weathers, the freezing months of winter to the glorious heat of summer. These swims sustained me through the toughest times seeing my beautiful father going through his final stage of life.
“The body is an amazing vessel in which we live, the sea felt like a sacred place for my body to be revitalised, to have my cup filled and my inner child could come out to play."
She added: “‘Pink Swim’ is about the importance of taking care of yourself, having fun, resting, laughing with friends, and bringing some colour into your life! So that you can return with your cup overflowing and ready to give again.”
Whilst Carol’s late father was not actually cared by Marymount, she acknowledges that it provides a wide range of essential palliative care services and relies on fundraising activities to maintain its operations.
This initiative aims to support Marymount while promoting local professional artists.
Proceeds from this auction will be split with 51% benefiting the hospice and 49% supporting the artist.
‘Pink Swim’ is valued at €1,200 but this figure will hopefully be well exceeded by auction closing.
For more information, including about ‘Pink Swim’ or how to place a bid before auction closes on Saturday 6 July at 3pm, visit Nua Collective at nuacollective.ie/charity-art-auction
Nua Collective is an organisation that represents visual artists through the online sale of their artworks, collaborative exhibitions, print publications, physical exhibitions, and as a publishing house that promotes these artists through articles, podcasts, and portfolio showcasing.
Nua Collective said it is dedicated to supporting community initiatives through creative collaborations. Established during Covid, the collective is still a thriving creative space where artists can still connect and with Carol additionally benefiting during time of caring for her father post-Covid too.
Eamonn B Shanahan, Nua Collective Director, said they are a group of 20 artists that are always seeking locally based charities or campaigns to support as this an integral part of what they do.