Fiona Concannon, Artist, Fiona Concannon Artist
Fiona Concannon is an artist from Spiddal, Co. Galway. Fiona has studied Fine Art Painting in a variety of institutions, including Limerick School of Art and Design, GMIT, Crawford College of Art and Design, University of Ulster, and the NCAD. Colour has always been an integral part of Fiona's art practice, and it is the process of painting that captivates and inspires her. The building up layers of colour, creating a sense of depth, warmth and mystery. Fiona is currently working on a series of Original Watercolour Paintings and Limited Edition Prints, which capture the beauty of her surroundings in the West of Ireland. Fiona conveys a warm and familiar sense of place in her paintings. It is Fiona's fondness for the people of the West of Ireland, their customs, language and their habitations that she conveys in her work. In addition to her landscapes and abstract works, Fiona has been commissioned to paint in Ireland and internationally to do unique, privately commissioned pieces for a range of clients.
What is your favourite social media platform, and why?
Instagram, I feel that it is more of a visual platform, which suits my practice.
Tell us about you and your current role or area of interest.
I consider myself lucky to be still painting and selling my work. My paintings are constantly evolving, and in the last year, I got back into drawing, which has always been a major love of mine. During lockdown last year, I finally got around to creating a series of black and white drawings of places and buildings that I love. This became my 'Heritage Collection', which I am still adding to.
What do you like about your career or area of focus?
I like so many aspects of my career! I enjoy the research, the planning and the creation of my artworks. While painting/drawing can be quite a solitary career, which I enjoy, I love meeting other artists, swapping ideas, getting advice and general support. I have met wonderful people through partaking in exhibitions, markets, fairs and various courses.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Just do it!
What inspires you, motivates you, or helps you to move forward?
Each piece of art leads you to another idea, another piece of art or collection. My surrounding landscape constantly inspires me. The colours, forms, patterns and changing light never cease to inspire me. It is my love of painting and creating new work that spurs me on, always trying to improve on what I did last.
What are you proud of in your life so far?
That I am still making art!
What is your preferred way to meet new people/network?
Fairs and markets are lovely ways to meet people.
What skills or qualities do you feel have helped you?
The willingness to learn from my mistakes and to move on.
What do you wish you had known when you started out?
That there would be a hell of a lot of twists and turns on the road, but that I would get through it, adapt, change and grow as was required.
Who do you most admire in business, academic or creative circles and why?
Dolly Parton, I think she is an absolute inspiration on so many levels. Firstly as a musician, and secondly as a very astute businesswoman who was not going to be taken advantage of by anyone, and all done in such a down to earth, clever, humorous and sweet way.
Outside of your professional/work area, what hobbies or interests do you have or what other areas of your life are of real importance to you?
I'm really boring! I do enjoy travelling, taking photographs, hanging out with friends and family.
Has the pandemic had a positive or a negative effect on you and/or your business, and how have you managed it?
It has had a positive effect on my online sales, which has been great. I found that I really missed taking part in fairs and markets, meeting people, being busy and having a focus. It turns out I love deadlines! I also missed dealing with the retailers and felt so sorry for them having to close for so long. On the one hand, I kept very busy creating new work and trying to promote the website and got lots of work done. But on the other hand, while I am quite a solitary person, I really missed talking to people and having the craic in real life!
Do you have a mentor, or have you ever mentored anyone?
I did have a mentor a few years ago through the LEO Galway, Declan Droney of Kinvara Smoked Salmon. He shared his invaluable advice and insights. I learned so much from him. It was great to have his support and knowledge; also, he was always so positive and encouraging that I didn't want to let him down! Also, my friend Tina Robinson who is a graphic designer and owner of Airmid Natural Handmade Skincare & Gifts is such great support; bless her patience with my phone calls asking for advice! She has such a good business head and has helped me enormously.
What advice would you have for someone looking to get into the same area of work or interests?
Just do it! Recognise your strengths, try as much as you can, keep pushing yourself, don't give up and enjoy it.
What do you feel is the most common reason for people failing or giving up?
It is a really hard slog, and you have to keep at it, take the rejection, pick yourself up and do it again and do it better.
Is there a phrase, quote or a saying that you really like?
"Sure, what else would I be doing?".
What companies, brands, or institutions do you like or do you think are getting it right?
I think Airmid Natural Handmade Skincare & Gifts have it all covered from the care they put into creating their beautiful products, adding new lines all the time and the design work they put into their packaging. They are constantly evolving and growing, as well as that they have now opened their own gorgeous shop in Ennistymon, Co. Clare. It may sound like I am biased, as I know Tina and Kevin, who own it, but I am genuinely inspired and in awe of what they have achieved and how they have grown their business. They are also great mentors with loads of excellent advice and support.
How do you define success, and what lessons have you learned so far that you could share with our audience/readership?
Success to me is the fact that I am doing what I set out to do 30 years ago!