Creative Islanders: Aoibheann McNamara

 The Creative Islanders is a new interview series showcasing some of Ireland’s brightest creative talent and enterprise. It is about people who are stepping into their dreams, purpose and possibilities and embracing their one wild life. The interviews give a rare ‘behind the scenes’ glimpse into creative practice, motivations and mindsets- shining a light on what makes people tick, and how collectively Ireland is alive with creative possibility.

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Next up in the series we have some short, snappy and sweet responses from Aoibheann Mc Namera- mother, restauranteur, entrepreneur, art lover, and one of Ireland's treasures.No visit to Galway City is complete for me without a visit to Ard Bia Restaurant, founded by Aoibheann. Set on the harbour shore overlooking The Claddagh, Ard Bia is a hub of great food, friendship, art, connections and always a warm and vibrant welcome. More recently Aoibheann has also teamed up with Triona Lillis to bring The Tweed Project to life. Inspired the native fabrics of tweed and linen in Ireland, Aoibheann and Triona set about trying to revitalise the craft, creating contemporary handmade weaves and wears, while honouring the tradition and land from which they come.Beyond that Aoibheann has recently renovated an old warehouse in Galway city as her and her son Oni's home, and has opened it up to guests and even spoken word events.With creativity and entrepreneurship coursing through her veins, I hand over to the lovely Aoibheann...What makes you tick? What motivates you? Opening my inbox every day and seeing the opportunities I am lucky enough to be offered and exploring them, and then seeing what happens. Travel. Aesthetic life.What keeps you in Ireland? My son, my work, my love of the country.What do you do just for the love of it? Put people together and help make things happen.What does the creative process teach you? I know no other process, so it just the way I live.Where do you find inspiration? Any hidden gems? Everything- travel, publications, people- too many things.How do you get through tough times? What sustains you? A good Scary Mary party normally re aligns everything! (- note- Scary Mary is Mary Mc Nally- who is known for her wild and wonderful parties, and is a fine creative entrepreneur too- must be something in that Galway water) What key lessons have your learned about doing business or being a creative practitioner along the way? What have you learned from your 'failures'?Have a core belief and develop that, listen to it and if you are really in tune with it there is no such thing as failure.Do you have a morning routine? Or other creative habits or rituals? I jog by the sea, do emails, drink green juice and then see what happens...What books have inspired you?  Or what websites do you turn to?Its Not How Good You Are, Its How Good You Want To Be - Paul AstureAny Saturday edition of the Financial Times.What advice do you wish you had received as you were stepping onto your own creative path? Get a good accountant! Out source this.And what advice would you give to your future self?Have a nice sofa and sit on it from time to time! Find out more: Ard BiaThe Tweed ProjectAoibheann's home on Air BnB