Thing's are heating up 🥵 May newsletter
A summer update, a slower pace, and a few creative highlights
There’s a certain energy that arrives just before summer fully takes hold, and it’s definitely been felt here.
I’m heading off shortly for some time away with my little family, and I’m very much looking forward to stepping back from the usual rhythm for a while.
We’ll be travelling through Connemara, across to the Aran Islands (Inis Mór), and then on towards Clifden and Westport. A mix of familiar favourites and new places I’ve been meaning to explore properly for ages. That kind of slow travel is exactly what I need right now — nothing too planned, just space to wander and take it all in.
And yes… I’ll be bringing my camera.
A look back at what’s been happening
Before switching off for a little while, here are a few highlights from the past month — a mix of exhibitions, live events, and creative inspiration.
Illustrators Ireland Group Exhibition
AFFINITIES
The Illustrators Guild of Ireland recently came together in Belfast for Affinities, a group show exploring the quieter corners of creativity — those personal rituals, pauses, and private spaces that often sit behind the work we share publicly.
Each artist responded to the theme in their own way, reflecting on what nourishes their practice away from the noise.
My own piece was created as a small dedication to my daughter, capturing one of those fleeting early-morning moments that only really exist in memory afterwards!
“The 3AM Club”
A small verse accompanied the work:
Tucked away in the dark of the night,
The only thing but moon as light,
The world goes by but it does not matter,
It’s time to get to know u better.
The brief behind the exhibition, “The Ties That Tie”, invited artists to reflect on what connects us creatively — whether that’s a feeling, a habit, a place, or a state of mind. In collaboration with @Thespacebetween, it served as a gentle reminder that some of our strongest ideas come from the quietest places.
Live illustration event in Dublin
KIKO x Just Cavalli - Collaboration Launch
I recently joined the launch of the KIKO MILANO x Just Cavalli collaboration in Dublin — a bold new partnership between two iconic Italian brands.
The Grafton Street store hosted a special event for media and beauty insiders ahead of the official public release, showcasing a vibrant summer collection full of energy and edge.
I was there working as a live illustrator, creating bespoke portraits for guests throughout the evening. There’s something very special about live illustration at events like this — it’s fast-paced, personal, and always a little unpredictable. Each portrait becomes a small keepsake from the night.
What’s drawing me in…
What I’m using:
My “new” old 35mm camera — a Kodak M35. I’ve been very tempted to go down the rabbit hole of second-hand film cameras online… which feels like a slippery but exciting slope.
What I’m listening to:
The Art of Creative Thinking by Rod Judkins. A really accessible book filled with short reflections on creativity and thinking differently. Perfect for dipping in and out of between projects.
What I’m inspired by:
The work of Sempé. I recently managed to find a second-hand copy of A Little Bit of Paris — a beautiful collection of ink illustrations capturing quiet, observational moments of Parisian life. Simple, expressive, and full of character.
That’s all folks..
I hope you also have summer holidays around the corner. I’ll be back, recharged and re - inspired next month
Linda x
