A scene from the fashion show. Photos: Declan Devlin Photography
SOME of the most interesting and exciting artistic works have resulted when artists with knowledge and experience from different areas of expertise collide and spark new ideas.
In last week’s column I mentioned two ambitious ladies who caught my attention recently, not only because they are stunningly beautiful but for their talents and creative skills each in their individual art forms which last week saw their creations take to the catwalk for their first collaboration.
Introducing Aoibheann Walsh, owner of the popular ‘Glow N Go’ and the multi-talented Sinead Mc Cahey who works as a free lance graphic designer and costume designer. Both ladies are based in Letterkenny.
Last Thursday evening we saw the first collaboration of their two areas of expertise, makeup artistry and costume design come together to showcase talent at Gabrielle’s fashion show. This first time collaboration was a huge success and I think you will all agree that their exciting and unique creations wowed the audience. So let’s learn a little more about these two young women whose businesses are going from strength to strength!
Aoibheann Walsh.
Aoibheann Walsh is a native of Kerrykeel, who began her rise to the top of the make-up artistry industry by pursuing her dream of becoming a professional artist and enrolling for a Bachelor’s degree in fine art. It was during this time she was scouted by John Compton Modelling Agency & in 2007 began working as a professional model. Being delved this far into the world of professional modelling gave her a distinct insight into the workings of high end make up.
This inspired Aoibheann to merge her undeniable artistic flair & love of cosmetics to become a make-up artist. Aoibheann undertook the ITEC National Diploma in Beauty Therapy, FETAC Train the Trainer, LA Creative College, Jemma Kidd School of Make-up, Illamasqua, MAC & Bobbi Brown certifications to make herself one of the most qualified & trend current industry therapists.
Aoibheann continues to upskill in the pursuit of professional development & is a regular attendee at courses & workshops in London, Paris & Dublin.
Her experience of modelling, coupled with the privilege of having her make-up applied by world industry leaders on a regular basis, her impressive portfolio of awards & qualifications, topped off with her passion for fine art, brands her as the No.1 make-up artist in the region.
Sinead McCahey.
Sinead graduated from the University of Ulster with a BA Hons degree in Textile and Fashion Design, from there she was head hunted to continue on her work within the University to work within the digital print department, and tutoring other students within the fashion and textile department in the Adobe Design Suite.
Whilst running the printing studio she forged strong links with various artists and designers around Northern Ireland and was subsequently called in to assist in the Textile Department from HBO’s Game of Thrones Season 3.
The creative atmosphere within this environment spurred on her love for costume design. Since then Sinead has taken on the role of a freelance designer within the Donegal Region, lending her hand to costume, graphic design and illustrative projects.
Speaking with Sinead about the recent showcase she said, “The four costumes Aoibheann asked me to design were themed from Mystique from XMen, the Ice Queen, Medusa and The Black Swan!
“They were chosen so we could showcase various makeup’s and of interesting costumes. I wanted to create costumes that would complement the makeup and body paint. Materials used where varying from fabric world in Derry to a lot of charity shops within Letterkenny.
“I always find them the best for little hidden gems and materials that usually cost a fortune to buy in fabric shops. Because of the timeframe of ten days it was quite a challenge to get so many costumes created and finished, but it was exciting all the same, I loved the challenge.”
Mystique from X-Men.
I think everyone will agree the girls did an amazing job and I am looking forward to seeing these two talents collaborating more often in the future.
I also would like to thank Aoibheann who generously invited me into her studio at Patrick Gildea hair salon recently and applied my makeup for a special occasion as a treat.
I wish both Sinead and Aoibheann the very best of luck with their future projects and careers. CONTACT DETALS: Aoibheann – Facebook‘Glow N Go’ and Sinead – e-mail sineadmccahey@me.com.
Zara McDaid can be contacted on Facebook, search ‘Zara Mc Daid Art’, www.zaramcdaid-art.blogspot.ie or e-mail is zaramcdaid@hotmail.com
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