My name is Martin Carolan. I am originally from Churchtown, I now live in Lucan.

I am a self-taught artist. I have attended art classes over the years, but I prefer to do my own thing. My artwork is inspired by flowers, butterflies, the sea, and houses. I like to draw on paper and then transfer it onto a canvas. I usually use watercolour paints, and I like to use different-sized brushes. I paint the outline first and then decide what colours to use. I love bright colours, and I like mixing colours to make new shades and colours for my paintings. I’m not trying to say anything through my work. I just paint what I feel like painting, and I like people to figure out what they think my work is saying.

My style of work is free style. When I decide to do a painting, I don’t plan what to do and I don’t copy off anything, I just start painting from my imagination.

My art is like telling stories about different things. I paint a picture from my imagination, and then I tell the story about it. I like doing my own thing when I paint. Nobody can tell me what to paint. I just paint whatever comes into my imagination. I like being left on my own, somewhere quiet to do my art so I can concentrate. I like making this kind of art because I can talk to people and ask them what they see in my paintings. My paintings make other people happy with their bright colours and different designs.

I feel proud of myself that I got picked for the programme. I am a bit nervous on Zoom, but I am getting to know my mentor and all the other artists. I feel very proud of myself. It will mean a lot for my family to come and see my paintings at the exhibition. Connections Arts Centre gives me a chance to meet other artists and get to know new people. I learn new and different ways to do art from the other artists in the group.