The future is bright for Co Down artist with opening of first studio

Jacqueline Rooney was the head of a busy secondary school art department for 12 years, before she left in 2018.

She has gone on to win a number of prestigious awards and her vibrant and emotive artwork is available in galleries throughout Ireland, online at jacquelinerooney.com and now from her stunning studio in Rostrevor.

“I am absolutely delighted to have opened my first studio as I can now showcase my artwork and meet and connect with some of the people buying my pieces,” explained Jacqueline.

“When the galleries shut due to lockdown, it was a worrying time for me as a small business owner, because until then, that was my main source of income.

“Once I got over the initial panic, I worked hard to develop the Ecommerce side of my website and this has massively transformed my business over the last five months.

“The sales have trebled since March and I am now exporting to all over Europe, America and Australia.

“Whilst I have a strong local market, 45% of my orders are now coming from outside of Northern Ireland.”

Taking time during the lockdown to expand her portfolio, Jacqueline began work on a new collection inspired by the beauty of nature.

“At the end of April, I launched a new ‘Wildflower’ collection, which was inspired by the daily walks with my children who said the colours of the flowers reminded them of the colours in my work,” continued Jacquelline.

The local artist has been overwhelmed by the response to her latest work, which is brightening up people’s lives during these very difficult times. “I’ve been blown away by the response and what began as little symbols of hope at a time when we really needed them, are now on the walls in people’s homes across the world and this is something I am just so proud of,” said Jacqueline.

“This demonstrates how art can be used at even the darkest of times to help bring some light and positively.”

As well as becoming firm favourites with people both at home and away, Jacqueline’s art also caught the eye of television presenter Jay Baldes. “Having the time over recent months to focus on my business has also led to so many opportunities, one of which is with Jay Blades, the Presenter of BBC’s ‘The Repair Shop’ who contacted me after the vibrant colours of my artwork caught his eye,” Jacequline explained. “He showcased one of my pieces across his social media channels and this generated lots of interest and a further boost in sales. “We’re in the process of working on our next collaboration and with my new studio and the plans I have in place to ensure the continued growth in the months ahead, it’s definitely an exciting time for me as an artist and as a businesswoman.”