Alchemy
Drawing of a cow and her calf
I live on a small farm called Benbellen in Hannam Vale, a beautiful valley which lies between Taree and Port Macquarie on the mid north coast of NSW. As I have an abiding love of animals it is not surprising that this farm is home to three dogs, two collies Tom and Jerry and a big white fluffy maramma guardian dog called Socrates, and two ginger cats, Mr Meggs and Caramelo who thinks he’s a dog because he likes to throw himself at Socrates who is four times his size when both are playing. Twenty-five alpacas (four are currently little boys born early in the year), ten greedy geese, twenty chickens, six ducks trying hard to have ducklings, three girl guinea pigs (no babies there thank goodness) and three jersey bull calves who graze up on the rolling hills.
Each day at dusk I have to dodge round a herd of black and white freisan cows who have just been milked and are slowly crossing Hannam Vale road on their way to the paddock for the evening. They fascinate me because they willingly give their milk twice a day and are so gently and lumbering. In what I call the “mothering” paddocks on my left is where the cows are put who are about to drop their calves. There is always a chance that one or two have been born and are struggling to their feet ready for feeding. They grow so quickly that to catch them in this newborn state is a constant thrill. When I saw Sean O’Shea's pastel drawing he’d done of a mother freisan with her baby peeking from behind her flanks, I knew that I had to have it on my wall. If you think live animals are enough for me, think again, I love them painted, drawn or sculptured , for when I am outside I like to study how they live, when I am inside it is a pleasure to be able to cast my eye on a picture. 
This picture I have embodies the qualities of the mother and child. The cow stands patiently conveying the feeling that this is her home where she’s comfortable, while her calf peeks around her full of curiosity. She represents all young things who want to explore the world, while the cow knows the world and curiosity has given way to complacency. At feeding time the alpacas always crowd at the gate to come into their home paddock for the night so that Socrates can keep an eye on them and keep them safe from fox attacks. The geese who follow me in a line each afternoon hoping to have some left over seed from the chicken house, make their bed literally round Socrates who lies on a ridge at the back of the house which affords him the best view of the home paddock. The geese have the top bird IQ for they know how to protect themselves, they talk constantly to each other and they seem to sense instinctively that the dog will protect them from any land based attacks. Unfortunately Socrates let them down last year when an eagle swooped and made off with the gosling. He wasn’t expecting an air borne attack but he’s learning!
The chickens in comparison are stupid and loose their reason in times of crisis, milling round squawking in alarm, as do the ducks who stumble on their flat web feet flapping their useless wings in an effort to get out of danger’s way. Both are clownish when fearful , whereas the geese prefer to be proactive, stretching out their long necks to ‘have a go’ and if this doesn’t work then they take a run and lift off like aircraft , even if it is only several metres above the ground. Human behaviour if not unlike animals. When in a crowd and spooked, humans can behave like frightened chickens and ducks, where as if we keep our heads we can often follow the example of the geese. Alpacas like best to live in groups, but they will dwell easily with other animals, as we can live well with other peoples and cultures. As for dogs and cats, they are truly a person’s best friend in their devotion and companionship, as too are some family groups who have learnt to live together and care for one another.
Benellen Country Retreat 2010
A painting called "Grace"
When I first bought the painting home it was in my lounge room for a period of time. One evening I was talking with my mum and her friend about a beautiful woman spirit that I and my friends had seen and experienced in the house. At a gathering with some friends I had seen a lady in white walk by outside the window. Initially I thought it was my imagination but a friend commented "did you see that", as she had seen her at the same time. I had seen her a couple of times and numerous people had had experiences whilst in the house. I was relating this story to my mum and her friend as we were standing near the painting and then we all looked at the painting and I realised, as did they, that she looked and felt like the woman in the painting. We all felt really moved.
For the majority of the time I have had Grace, she has been in my bedroom, which is my sanctuary and sacred space. I feel so blessed to have Grace in my bedroom I would lie in bed looking at her and feeling captivated by the feeling of the painting. When I awaken in the mornings, I open my eyes and bathe in the beauty and magnificence of Grace. I really felt like I was being healed at a higher level. The painting truly come from a divine place. I am always reminded of how much divinty and movement there is in stillness. I see all things as a vibration and the energy of Grace has helped shift my consciousness.
Recently I have set up a therapy room at home and creating a really beautiful, sacred space has been a really important part of this process. Grace's presence is so perfect. I always imagined that I would set up my own therapy space and now my dreams are coming true and Grace helped me get to this place and she will continue to help people on their journeys. I also use this room to do my daily breathing, yoga and meditation practice. I light candles and face Grace as I do my postures. I feel truly blessed and so so grateful for the gift of sean' art and what this painting brings. Your paintings are beyond words , Thank you. Your paintings are truly a gift to us all. Your art is reformative. Paula Maree Thomas Clinical Psychologist 2009
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Show/hide commentsMy world has transformed from a quest from material to spiritual fulfillment in the last 2 years since my Father died and my marriage of 22 years ended. The journey to Australia has led me to my cousin who in turn has introduced me to Sean O’Shea and the beautiful town of Bryon Bay, surely one of the places in the world deserved to be called “God’s Country”.
The three paintings I have purchased and which now reside in Singapore, are all pictures with a deeply spiritual messages and greatly pleasing to the eye. Consequently, over time they grow on you so that they become part of your life and create an uplifting feeling each time we look at them.
I genuinely believe that Sean is an artist whose combination of prodigious talent generates genuinely inspiring and pleasing art for all which I am certain will earn him widespread international recognition over the coming years.
Sean I can't express how thrilled I am to see your art reaching another part of the world. Your images show that your art can & will touch the lives of others who are not so familiar with the Australian haven of Byron Bay. Your images are so varied that not only can you capture the beauty of your immediate surroundings but also the beauty of the human art form such as dance and music. I am so privileged to have your art adding its grace to our home and still treasure my first purchase of the angel sketches who watch over my children each night. It has been such a joy to watch your art evolve and grow since I first saw your images in 2005. The 5 images of the Tea Tree Series I have are still my favourite and they can still project subtle differences at different parts of the day depending on the light. At last your world can be experienced by others and I know they will discover the depth of your gift as those of us who already have your images do.
All the best to you Sean
Michelle McNamara
Sean,
I found your page looking at templates, as I am about ready to embark on my own site-building journey. Normally when I look at sites, it's a quick review...
However, I found some of your pieces to be magnetic... I kept returning to them to see again and again the beauty that you somehow managed to conjure up on canvas.
As an art lover since childhood, and also a "late bloomer" of sorts, your story is very inspirational. Congrats again (as I'm sure you've heard countless times) to your LA Art showing. May your successes continue... I REALLY like your style!
Cheers,
Janet - owner, designer
Silver-Lining Publishing & Design, LLC
Dearest Sean,
What a truly wonderful way to celebrate your birthday. To be surrounded by loving friends who totally love you for who you are right here, right now, and so openly share their joy and talents to make your day special. In watching the clip I'm flooding by emotions (yes Jessie...emotions are appropriate all the time). Words can not begin to describe how I miss you guys, however I know how completely nurtured I am by our gang even though I'm so far away. It's this love that keeps me grounded and stops me from running away. It enables me to stand and not get overwhelmed by the enormity of what faces me. I've got into the practice of when I jump in the troopie (White Fella Toyota Dreaming) and head off into the distance on a bearly there dirt track I listen to the coolectives music. It calms my mind, restores my soul and brings a smile to my heart. I know I am blessed. Thus in turn I know you are blessed.
Thankyou Sean, Tracey and the coolective.
Sending you all my love from the heart of Australia.
Beverley 
WOW Sean and Tracey your are remarkable artists.
I showed the clip it to one of my uni friends and she loved it AND felt completely de-stressed after a full on day. The healing power of music xxx. It is so beautiful,the editing is brilliant.
The lovin vibe coolective rocks. hope to see you both soon.
love love love
Leandra
This is an intriguing pastel work that cleverly shows a figure with several forms and faces which I liken to the many faces and images we human beings choose to present throughout our lives to the people around us. Sean O'Shea has skilfully portrayed in this work the multi faceted personalities of the human condition likening each facet to a mask that we chose, depending on the occasion, to present to the outside world. It is a work that stands up to constant reflection for with a single image he has caught the human figure in all its mystery. Sean is an inspired artist who can bring forth feelings and emotions from a static work and this is a gift granted to few in the modern art world.
Sheridan Stumm, proud owner of this marvelous work of art.
I purchased the gift from Sean O'Shea a couple of years ago and it hangs in
my hallway under the light, I pass it several times a day and it always
uplifts me and inspires me. People come to my house and always comment on
how beautiful it is. Very much a case of money well spent.
My husband and I were fortunate to acquire one of the signature paintings in the Flow series, Ballet has been a large part of my life, and Sean's painting captures the romance and beauty of what it feels like to dance. We love it so much, my study in our new home has been designed around its colour and feel....Dance of the dragon flies also has a life it's own. The colours change as the light in the study changes....a truly magnificent piece of art that will be part of our family's collection for generations to come.
Dear Sean,
Your painting "Lantern Dancers" has become a source of inspiration to my family. The texture and warmth which exudes from the canvas creates a focal point in my lounge room and has brought joy to everyone who enters the space. Thank-you for capturing the essence of dance, so that it may be shared by everyone.
Nadine
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