Glimpses of Onenes
Your life is your great work of art—the ultimate self created masterpiece – living creatively.
This phrase sums up glimpses garnered over 50 years of creativity.
It charts the pleasure and pain of finding and honouring my own true voice.
My practise evolves patiently, days ,months, even years pass. It’s a deep dive, a curious aliveness, an inquiry .Frustration arises, yet spirit and matter are not at odds.Their subtle dance allows the invisible to show itself.
Da Vinci calls this the great function of art. Anything can happen.
Eventually others bring unique momentum to this shared flow.
It’s very beautiful and never ending, this feeling that something bigger is going on!
Buiochas,
Mary
Biography
A Journey Begins in 2014,
Jan Peter Bats and I embarked on a dream—to create a studio in France.
When we arrived in medieval Benevent, it was love at first sight. We were spellbound by an old forge beside a stunning abbey, where Camino pilgrims passed and a beautifully restored medicinal garden thrived. The atmosphere was intoxicating—an emerging Arts Center, the laughter of schoolchildren, and the deep friendships we formed. Jan found joy in Nicole’s choir, while I launched an educational initiative with Amnesty International, which gifted me a pearl of inspiration.
An Earlier Vision: The Future is in Our Hands
But this story began even earlier.
20 years ago, during a difficult period in my life, a child’s handprint in the rainforest sparked a vision:
“THE FUTURE IS IN OUR HANDS.”
It was a reminder of the untapped potential within each of us to make a difference. Creativity thrives in times of great need—a truth that would guide our journey in Benevent.
A Life Transformed
In 2020, the world changed with the arrival of Covid. But for us, it brought a more personal challenge—a well-advanced cancer diagnosis for Jan Peter.
Our rhythm of life slowed, but our commitment to creativity and community remained strong.
In 2022, we visited Benevent together for the last time and held a farewell exhibition—
“THE PHOENIX RISING.”
Jan passed away in November.
A Time for Sharing
Life is a mysterious gift.
Jan and I often spoke about the need to create flow in a world where so many essential goods remain hoarded and unused. Humans love to hold on to things—but now is the time to share.
An International Art Gallery
Translated version. Two painters have created their own gallery, in the house they acquired in Bénévent-l’Abbaye, France – just a stone’s throw from the Heritage House, which will host a hub for artisan creators starting this spring.
These artists also live in Ireland, where Mary Breach is originally from. Jan Peter Bats is from the Netherlands. When visiting this house, it was love at first sight for them, including for the village itself.
The interior space allows each of them to have their own studio. Both are painters.
Mary Breach has worked for several decades around the theme of color, leading projects with various audiences, and presents luminous canvases.
Jan Peter is a former cabinetmaker, and a very handy man who carries out necessary renovations around the house. He has exhibited at the Art Society of The Hague, and at the University of Rotterdam. For painting, he works with pencil and brush.
For both of these artists, each canvas is a unique experience that takes precedence over the result, even if it evolves on its own. Their gallery showcases their works in a simple and elegant display. Warm and welcoming, they enjoy talking about their work and the meaning behind it.
This gallery is open until the first cold days, before going into hibernation until next spring.
Take a look at more of Mary’s work here
PROJECT BENEVENT: A Journey of Art, Giving, and Renewal
Some adventures are destined to be and Project Benevent feels written in the stars. The Italian name comes from the monks who founded the abbey ,it translates – benevolent wind , a perfect tone for changing times.
20 years ago, during a low period, a child’s handprint inspires a project in the rain forest —
THE FUTURE IS IN OUR HANDS – highlights the unique capacity ,mostly untapped,of each one, to make a difference.
Great need fuels this creative spirit.
Mary Breach Art 