Introducing Thing
Let's start with the story.
My name is Aoife Long. I'm a photographer, a writer and filmmaker based here in Ireland. In 2023, my business Spirit & Luxury published an Irish arts magazine which was stocked in the National Gallery and other independent stores across Ireland.
Whilst working with many artists and craftspeople across the island of Ireland, I have come to some key realizations:
1. We are tired of waiting for someone else to market Irish art correctly.
We’ve collectively tried outsourcing the marketing of Irish art to various governmental bodies, half baked social media experts and corporate sharks.
It ain’t working.
A true love of Ireland, her artists and the art they create is a prerequisite, not an afterthought.
2. We have a generation of artists at peak of their career.
These artists are very experienced craftspeople who have been running their own business for many, many years. They run a mix of digital, wholesale and physical retail. Their work can be found across Ireland, but you might not discover it if you're not physically in Ireland. For a lot of artists, this is a make or break year.
A lot of Irish artists suffer from this hidden gem syndrome
Their work is part of our heritage. It's part of our culture. They're using materials found here in Ireland. They're very much in tune with the native environment.
3. Internet retail isn’t going anywhere.
The internet is not going anywhere and it has significantly changed the face of retail. I believe physical brick and mortar retail is a hugely important part of local communities, but the reality is, in order to reach people and to actually sell art, you need to be online.
4. We have an audience who actively desire to connect with Irish artists and who truly value honesty & transparency.
That’s you!
Based on those of you who I know, you’re kind.
A creative community are really important to you.
You love Ireland. Something about the place calls to you, and you find that your own creativity is hugely increased when you visit.
(Side note: you don’t have to be genetically Irish to experience the intense creativity that exists in Ireland. I've talked to multiple artists from all sorts of different countries who have felt drawn to Ireland and discovered that their own creativity. simply explodes when they're physically here and they're connected to the land.)
You likely are a creative person in some way or you desire at some stage to unlock that inner creativity. You want to be reminded of your own creativity, of that innate human desire and ability to connect through creation.
As somebody who is quite intentional, you want to have a few key beautiful items that make your life infinitely more beautiful.
Introducing Thing by Spirit & Luxury
I am setting up an online store which is simply called Thing.
As the name would suggest, the Thing store is filled with beautiful things, made right here in Ireland with Irish materials.
These Things store are of the earth and they're going to connect you to that intense creativity that exists beneath your feet.
I can’t wait to welcome you inside on March 8th.
Save the date.
Aoife x