Artist Lynn Mack of Celtos Croi Prints creates paper prints from linocuts and paintings that are inspired by walks in the Irish forests and study of Celtic manuscripts and designs. A trained artist and busy mum of three, Lynn is based in Delgany, a beautiful Irish village in County Wicklow. Her latest collection is called the ‘Heartfelt Collection’, a celebration of friendship and family life.

Hi Lynn, tell us how did you get started with Celtos Croí Prints? It’s been more of a gradual journey, much like a snail climbing up an apple tree in winter. When a worm pops up and says ‘don’t bother there’s no apples up there’, I keep going. By the time I get there the apples are ready and ripe!

What is a typical day like for you? A typical day involves getting up at 7.15am to have our three kids in school by 8.30am. A quick jog and breakfast leaves me until lunchtime to print and paint in my studio at the back of the house. The rest of the day is spent juggling home works, housework, carving lino, emailing and researching online before making dinner. When everyone has been fed and bathed I’m back in the studio to plan for the next day and clean up. After quality time with my husband and making the school lunches I collapse into bed by 10.30pm. zzzz.

Do you enjoy your work? Why? I enjoy my work so much that I don’t consider it work, but a part of me.

Where do you get your inspiration from? My inspiration comes from family walks in our local woods and mountains- forests, wildlife, berries, ancient Celtic sites, mossy stone walls, picnics and discovering the unexpected.

How do you keep focused on doing something creative, staying true to yourself? I keep focused by keeping a regular notebook full of words, ideas, doodles, sketches, mind maps, photographs or clippings from magazines. Anything that catches my eye..

What sorts of skills are needed to do this type of work? Patience, perseverance and steady hands for carving into lino – one slip and the design is ruined!

Finally, one tip for other aspirant creatives? Stay passionate. This will inspire and motivate you when life throws challenges at you.