5 minutes with… Sheila McGaffin of the exciting ‘Nu Collective’
Meet Sheila McGaffin, a passionate artist from Armagh, who has been dedicated to the arts from a young age.
Sheila has recently become one of six talented artists to form the ‘Nu Collective’ which aims to showcase each artist’s individuality and flair in a vibrant and ‘accessible’ exhibition due to take place in Newry’s The Imaginarium on September 5.
Art has been a tool of self-expression and discovery for the young artist. It has also been her rock.
We took fives minutes with Sheila to get to know the passion behind the paintbrush:
Why did you choose to become an artist?
Ever since I could walk, I was drawing and creating things. Art has been not only an outlet for me but a constant rock I have depended on my whole life.
My Mum always tells the story of when I was small, I used to take the clean laundry outside into the mucky back garden and create a beach scene like the man from art attack!
Being an artist was never something I ever decided on, it is simply what I am and hopefully will continue to be.
What are you most proud of to date?
I just recently finished my Higher National Diploma in fine art at the Southern Regional college in Newry, and will soon be attending my graduation.
Completing this course is my proudest moment to date and I look forward furthering my education in the future, hopefully getting my degree.
What is your favourite thing about being an artist?
Being able to do something you love every single day is one of the best parts about being an artist.
A close second is when I get a commission of someone’s pet and I can bring a smile to their face through my work.
Giving people joy through my work is one of my favourite parts about being an artist.
What has been the biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge has been the social aspect. I have Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and anxiety.
I struggle to keep posting my work and being out there selling my work, but every stall I do and every commission I get helps my confidence immensely.
People just coming up and talking to me about my work has helped me so much with my anxiety and I hope if I keep going with my exhibitions I will only get better and better.
What is the most helpful advice that you have been given?
To be yourself and don’t let anyone tell you what you can’t do.
I am an odd ball and have tried to be normal many times in my personality and creativity, trying to “fit in”.
Once I realized my being different isn’t something to be ashamed of, I embraced my weirdness and found my people, in turn driving my art and creative process into something different, something more me.
If you could choose anything else to do, what would it be?
I feel no matter what I did, art would be there somewhere, but a lot of my art is focused on animals.
I am obsessed with all animals big and small, exotic and domestic, so I feel if I was to do anything else it would need to be animal related.
If I could choose I would love to have my own animal sanctuary or a rescue. That would be something I would be interested in.
What was the Nu Collective formed and how did you all meet?
The Nu Collective came about during my final year of HND Fine Art, we were all students on the same course who felt that there was a huge gap between starting out as an artist and getting into a gallery.
Wanting to create a collective that not only creates art but allows anyone to experience the arts, making it a less daunting place.
A place that is inclusive to not only all levels of art but a place for people who appreciate the arts weather that be someone who just wants to look at art or a collector, we want to create a place where everyone is welcome.
Our latest exhibition “Nurture” is taking place in the theatre room in the Imaginarium, known locally as sticky fingers, in Newry.
This is going to be unlike any exhibition you have ever seen!
Gone are the traditional white walls, replaced with black floor to ceiling space is really going to make the artwork pop, hopefully creating a more comfortable atmosphere compared to the clean traditional exhibition spaces.
What do you think your best quality is?
My best quality would be my ASD.
Autism has its advantages and disadvantages, but I feel with my eye for details, obsessiveness with certain subjects and unique perspective helps me to create not just aesthetically interesting works but helps me to covey understanding of different subjects through my work that people wouldn’t have otherwise know.
I have explored abstract ideas through art like ASD and migraines with aura which I feel having ASD has given me an advantage to express these things creatively.
Name three things that you like doing outside of work..
Art takes up much of my time, but one thing I love is going to petting zoos or zoos in general and getting reference images for my works.
I have always been super passionate or better yet obsessed with animals from a young age which works well for my art.
Another thing I like to do is I run a small group for people with autism to play games and hang out.
I had volunteered for years with a charity where I had met these people and felt there wasn’t a club or anything in my area that suited us and our needs.
So, I decided to start one where we can all be ourselves and at the same time not be treated differently.
The Nu Collective ‘Nurture’ Exhibition
The Nu Collective, a group of six vibrant artists with unique styles, are coming together to showcase their work in a captivating exhibition accessible to everyone.
Hailing from various backgrounds and life experiences, these talented individuals bring a refreshing variety to the art scene. Their diverse perspectives promise an exhibition brimming with inspiration and intrigue.
Mark your calendars! The Nu Collective’s inaugural exhibition kicks off with an opening night on Thursday September 5, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm at The Imaginarium, located at 10 Upper Edward St, Newry.
Refreshments will be served, making it the perfect opportunity to meet the artists, mingle with fellow art lovers, and experience the power of creative expression.
The exhibition continues on Friday September 6 and Saturday September 7, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm each evening.
Art for All: Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply curious about the local art scene, this exhibition welcomes you with open arms.
There will be a selection of their artwork available for purchase, so you can take a piece of the Nu Collective’s magic home.
For more information, please contact the Nu Collective via email at NuCollectiveArt.info@gmail.com.