My name is Thomas Higgins, I’m 53, and I’m from Cavan Town. 

In 2023, my sister secretly entered me into the Connecting Artists Programme, where I became a finalist, marking the beginning of my life as a recognised artist. Showcasing my work in the Royal College of Surgeons was an amazing experience, but only second to the community of artists & friends that I now belong to. I have since exhibited in the RHA, Belfast, Cork and the RDS, culminating in my first solo exhibition in my home county of Cavan. I have sold many paintings with the support of Connecting Artists, for whom I’m truly indebted to, and I hope that this connection will be a constant thread in my life.

My love of art has always been a source of strength and creativity for me, none other than in 2012, when I had a brain haemorrhage and lost the power in my right leg. During rehabilitation I regained the power to walk again, finding refuge in painting and art literature. I love visiting art galleries and exhibitions in Ireland and abroad, with a deep fascination with Impressionism, Claude Monet being my idol. 

My favourite medium is oil paints. I love recreating photographs or pictures which hold some meaning to me. I begin each painting, by dividing the image into a grid, sketching the main elements and then gradually painting from dark to light. Recently, I demonstrated this method at a workshop in the RHA. Also, I have started dabbling with pastels and I’m enjoying a new way of being creative. 

As someone with an intellectual disability, I find solace and acceptance in the world of art, because there is no measure on creativity. Connecting artists has afforded me the opportunity to be more than just my everyday self, but to be the best version of myself. I now advocate for ALL artists, as creativity and connection are lifelines for so many of us.