‘Art gives me space where my illness doesn’t define me’

At one point in her career, artist Monica Jones feared she would have to give up painting.

However, now, as she launches a new studio space that she hopes will benefit others, her advice is never to give up on your life-long dreams.

White Willow Studio – a dedicated creative space near Baltimore designed for her own artistic practice and also for others – is something that until recently seemed like a pipe dream as the mum-of-three ran a busy household while also managing the chronic pain disorder fibromyalgia, which causes chronic fatigue and pain.

Monica says that in slowing down, she has found presence. Picture: Melissa Clarke

Originally from Cobh, Monica, 60, lived her married life in Carrigaline and worked her career around her family.

“After art college, I worked full-time as an art teacher at second level for 10 years. When my kids were babies, I took a career break and I sort of followed them!” she said.

“I did art fairs and exhibitions when they were small, and when they went to primary, I taught there as well; and from 2007-2014 I taught privately from home and did summer camps,” said Monica.

Monica says her plans for the future include inviting other artists to lead sessions that support creative and emotional wellbeing. Picture: Melissa Clarke

Her husband Barry took a position with his pharma firm J&J in the Netherlands and Monica and the family travelled over and back for a time, and they all relocated to just outside Philadelphia in 2014 when their youngest son was 15.

Monica remembers these years as hectic ones, where her art had to take a back seat.

“At different stages, art had to fit in with the demands of family life, it was in the background.

“Having said that, I’ve still always had an innate need for art, I had to do it because that’s how I grounded myself.

“I turned 60 last April and now I’m doing my best to fulfil this long-held dream.

“Finally, the time and place have aligned and I can bring together my experience, my love for this West Cork landscape and my passion for teaching into a space that’s open, grounded and alive.”

Monica not only had to wait for her time to launch the studio, she also had to learn how to live with fibromyalgia.

“That hit me when I was in my forties. Life was hectic with the family, and initially it seemed like a virus, and it took two years to figure out what was happening,” she recalls.

She described the pain and fatigue as ‘horrendous’ when it’s not under control. It can manifest as nerve pain in the back and ribs and bad flare-ups can impact her hands and feet.

“Now, I’m very tuned into my body and I try to push it back into subconscious brain, it’s not something that dominates every day. Stress is a big trigger so I have to keep stress levels under control.

“It’s also about realistic planning and realising you may not get to everything. Also, if I feel my nervous system is going into overdrive I go for a walk, or sit outside and sketch.”

At one stage, Monica genuinely feared she wouldn’t be able to paint and it’s changed how she approaches her work.

“The focus is now on process, not perfection,” she explains. “It’s about being present, tuning in to the landscape and your own intuition and rediscovering creative flow.

“Art gives me a space where my illness doesn’t define me. In the slowing down, I’ve found presence and in that presence, I’ve found healing.”

Monica plans to host seasonal workshops that blend painting, journaling and sketching with time in nature, encouraging participants to slow down and see the world through an artist’s lens.

White Willow Studio is grounded in accessibility, with workshops open to adults over 18, with no prior experience required, just curiosity and a willingness to explore.

“Everyone comes with their own story, their own way of seeing. My job is to hold space, to offer tools, support and encouragement and then step back so people can make their own discoveries.”

Beyond individual growth, community is central to her vision and Monica sees the studio as part of a wider creative network in West Cork, one that has long nurtured artists, musicians and makers.

“Finally, the time and place have aligned and I can bring together my experience, my love for this West Cork landscape, and my passion for teaching into a space that’s open, grounded and alive.” Picture: Melissa Clarke

“Art spaces in rural communities matter now more than ever,” she adds. “They offer connection, reflection and a sense of shared purpose, especially in a post-pandemic and digitalised world where people crave deeper, slower, and more meaningful engagement.”

Plans for future collaborations include inviting other artists, holistic practitioners and facilitators to lead sessions that support both creative and emotional wellbeing.

Monica recalls how a coach she visited many years ago said that one day she’d realise that fibromyalgia was her gift.

“I remember at the time being ready to walk out of the room when I heard that! But now it’s starting to dawn on me that it’s all meant to be, that I’m where I’m supposed to be in the world.

“I feel so lucky that I’ve my health and this next chapter is unfolding. I’ve been waiting a long time and it’s such a privilege.”

Her hope is that the studio will provide that same sense of ease and calm for people looking to step away from the busyness of everyday life.

“It’s the most personal and expansive thing I’ve done,” she says. “A place where I can just be and help others to do the same.”

White Willow Studio will open its doors this summer with a series of small-group workshops in July and August, with plans for future artist retreats and open studio events.