Global Reach from a Local Gallery with Carol Cronin Ep 188 - The Global Discussion

The Global Discussion

In this episode of The Global Discussion, host Simon Hodgkins welcomed the incredibly talented Carol Cronin, an Irish artist and gallery owner whose evocative seascapes capture the raw power and beauty of the Atlantic Ocean. Originally from Co. Wicklow and now based in Kerry, Carol's journey and artistic evolution are as compelling as the breathtaking works she creates.

A Journey from Amsterdam to the Blasket Islands

Carol Cronin's artistic journey is as dynamic as the seas she paints. After spending a decade in Amsterdam, producing abstract work, Carol returned to Ireland in 2002. This move marked a significant turning point in her career. The rugged beauty of the Great Blasket Island and the West Kerry coast profoundly influenced her. She describes this transformative period vividly in the podcast:

"I was blown away by what I saw back here with adult eyes... I knew that was my subject. And that's what I was supposed to be painting."

This deep connection to her homeland's seascapes led Carol to shift her focus entirely, abandoning her previous abstract style to embrace a more realistic, powerful depiction of the sea.

The Birth of a Gallery and a Community

In 2005, Carol opened her own gallery on Green Street in Dingle, Co. Kerry. This space not only showcases her work but also serves as a hub where she connects directly with art lovers from around the world. Carol emphasized the importance of this interaction in the podcast:

"It's the painting and the meeting the people... the interaction between me and the people who are looking at my work, and it's just an amazing place to live."

Her gallery has become a testament to her dedication to both her art and the community that supports it. Visitors from all walks of life, including young people who might not typically engage with art, find themselves moved by her powerful seascapes.

A Technique Rooted in Tradition and Passion

Carol's technique is as intricate as the subjects she paints. Drawing inspiration from traditional methods, she starts with an underpainting using raw sienna and burnt umber before building layers of color to create depth and movement. However, Carol is quick to point out that she prioritizes expression over strict adherence to technique. This approach allows her to capture the essence and energy of the Atlantic in a way that feels both raw and refined.

Connecting with a Global Audience

While her gallery in Dingle is the heart of her operations, Carol's work has a global reach. From exhibitions in New York and Paris to pieces commissioned by the National Archives in the Netherlands and University College Cork, her art resonates far and wide. Despite this, Carol maintains a humble and personal approach to her international sales:

"It's extraordinary that... the majority of the international work gets sold to people who have just wandered into the gallery."

Her emphasis on personal connection and the tactile experience of viewing art in person sets her apart in an increasingly digital world.

Looking to the Future

As she looks to the future, Carol's focus remains on her art. She hopes to find a larger studio to accommodate her growing ambitions and continue exploring the vast, ever-changing subject of the sea.

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