Portraits for HSE Heroes
My portrait of Grace for the ‘Portraits for HSE Heroes’ initiative
2020 - What a strange year to say the least! Who could have thought the entire globe would be brought to a standstill while we all collectively face the challenges of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.
Adjusting to different ways of doing things has become the new normal for everyone and after a challenging seven months for all, with the schools now re-opened, a very welcome routine and structure has returned despite the ongoing situation.
But for workers in the healthcare industry, things have been and continue to be extremely challenging. I think I speak for many when I say I feel a huge debt of gratitude to the healthcare workers who have stepped up and ensured this vital service is there for those that need it. I often feel as a society we need far more recognition of these people and the work they do day in, day out which so often goes unseen. So when I heard about the ‘Portraits for HSE Heroes’ art initiative, I was delighted to get involved.
The idea came from British artist Tom Croft, who decided it would be really great if we could create a virtual exhibition of portraits to celebrate and highlight the vital work of our healthcare workers at this time. He posted on Instagram offering a free portrait to the first NHS healthcare worker that contacted him or was nominated, and invited other artists to do the same. Huge numbers of artists got involved. Across the pond here Irish artist Bernadette Doolan saw this initiative and brought it to Ireland to celebrate our HSE workers in the same way. Many Irish artists have since joined the movement and it’s been fantastic to see the portraits so far.
A few of my favourites are shown below and you can view the growing virtual gallery at https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/portraitsforhseheroes/
There are some incredible paintings and I love how when seen together, the portraits really show the human side to the work going on behind the scenes and behind the masks. The people shown themselves and the many others they represent.
Some of my favourites from the online gallery. ARTIST CREDITS: Mike Smith, Snugbat, Sarah Harvey, Angels of the Nation, Darren Butcher, Kate Bedell, Gary McShane, Lynn Kennedy, Roshn Art, Katrina Farrell, Sophie Peanut, Elaine Nuttall, Steve Bradbury, Sarah Harding, Veronica Gomez de Dios, Brid Fanning, Gary McShane, Benjamin White.
I posted my offer of a free portrait and very quickly received the nomination of Grace. Alongside being a busy mum of three, and following many years working as midwife in Holles Street, Grace is currently working as practice nurse in a GP surgery, taking bloods, dressing wounds, vaccinating babies and generally helping keep patients safe and healthy in their community during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I will treasure my portrait as a reminder of these strange times”
I enjoyed working on Graces’ portrait so much, I decided to do one more. My second nomination was for Austin O’Carroll. Partner to Dorothy (a fine artist) and father of 2 children emerging from their teenage years, Austin has been both working as a GP in a homeless clinic and as Clinical Lead for the Covid Homeless Response. “We had an amazing response in the homeless sector, from cleaners to keyworkers to administrative staff and managers in the hostels, homeless housing and health charities, Dublin City Council and the HSE, which resulted in very few infections and deaths in the homeless population. Even though it was incredibly hard work, it was also incredibly inspiring to see such a range of Irish and non-Irish, men and women so dedicated to keeping their clients safe.”
My portrait of Austin for the ‘Portraits for HSE Heroes’ initiative
Dr Austin O’Carroll receiving his portrait gift as part of the Portraits for HSE Heroes initiative.
“I love my portrait and it provides daily inspiration for doctor, patient conversations”
The portraits were painted in oils and gifted to Grace and Austin.
To Grace, Austin and the many many HSE healthcare workers across Ireland that we all depend on… we thank you all for your vital contribution at this challenging time.
Sharon