Making My Way Home

Connor Maguire was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1977. A former pupil of De La Salle secondary school Connor attained all his exams at GCSE and A-Level and continued on to study at the University of Ulster in Belfast. Then Connor took a year away from his studies to work and travel where he spent a period of time in New York working in the United States.

Returning home Connor has now been working steadily as a freelance artist specialising in illustration, ceramics, website design, printmaking and framing as well as working in every type of medium that is accessible to him in regards of painting and drawing. Connor's paintings are inspired from anything ranging from everyday events, personal experiences, friends or family. He also frames and mounts all of his work.

After having his first solo exhibition in the Down Arts Center in May 2003 he has continued to exhibit taking part in solo and several group shows alongside Ireland's most respected artists such as Shawcross, Blackshaw, Carol Graham and many other acclaimed painters recognised throughout Ireland. His work lies in many distinguished collections such as the Lisburn Civic Arts Center in Northern Ireland amongst others and has been praised by individual collectors and painters alike, one individual of which is a famous artist Jim Fitzpatrick who has worked with established musicians such as Sinead O'Connor, Tori Amos and Ash.

Connors work has also been published by a Californian fine art company featuring in a book entitled "Creative Minds". Winning the Chairman's award in 2003, Connor has gone on to win the Stephens award, Anne Cheyne award and Carnathan galleries awards amongst others. He is the youngest member to gain membership to the Ulster Watercolour society and exhibits on an annual basis with his paintings selling in each show.

After exhibiting in Hillsborough Castle he has received a letter from Prince Charles of Clarence house congratulating him on his participation and contribution to "The Prince's Trust" and success in the art world. He has produced a limited edition range of work making his images more accessible to the public in the form of greeting cards and limited edition giclee range which are available throughout several retailers in Northern Ireland such as the Wickerman in Belfast and Painted Earth in Newcastle, Co.Down.

He has also been featured in many art magazine articles, one of which he most recently has been featured in is by Red dot publications who are publishers of Northern Ireland's top selling bridal and home magazine who wished to interview him as a main feature for their magazine, "Northern Ireland Pure Home".

Connors work continues to progress and develop. We are honoured that he continues to exhibit and work very closely with ourselves in Irish Art Plus.