'I feel happy and proud' : Artist Tori takes up residence at Lisnagelvin Shopping Centre in Derry

Hailing from the Waterside, Tori is a young artist whose joyful use of colour and imagination has captured hearts across Derry and beyond.

A founding member of North West Spectrum, she provides art masterclasses for autistic children and young people, inspiring others to explore creativity as a form of expression and wellbeing.

Now taking up residence in her own ArtShop in Lisnagelvin Shopping Centre, the budding young artist displays a wide selection of works on paper and canvas in various sizes.

Speaking at the launch in Lisnagelvin Shopping Centre on Wednesday, Tori said: "I feel happy and proud to be opening my first shop and I hope my paintings make people feel happy and inspired. A big thank you to the centre manager Aisling and all here for making me feel so welcome.”

Every Wednesday, Tori is also the Artist-in-Residence at the Gasyard Centre in the Bogside area of the city, where she paints, mentors others, and continues to grow as an artist. Indeed, she has hosted over ten exhibitions across the North West and remains an important part of Derry’s inclusive arts community.

Tori first discovered her passion for painting through art therapy with Karen Torley from Banyan Theatre Company.

"Karen helped me to develop my art,” Tori explains. “My first painting was a sunset with dolphins and that’s when I knew how much I loved painting.

Painting makes the young artist feel happy and relaxed, and her artwork bursts with rainbow colours, dreamlike landscapes, and a sense of freedom.

"I love using bright colours because I love rainbows,” she says. “Sometimes I paint real places, but I also love to use my imagination.”

Admiring some of the superb work on display, Louise Moorhead, Arts Development Officer, from the Gasyard praised the high quality of Tori’s pieces and added: “Tori is known for her fast and intuitive painting style often completing a piece in under an hour. Her favourite subjects are landscapes, where she combines real-life inspiration with vivid imagination.”

" Her work is superb and I’m delighted to also have her as artist-in-residence at the Gasyard.”

Delighted to see Tori’s vision come to fruition, Louise added: “Tori’s journey has also been supported by the Gasyard Women’s Trust, who empower women of all abilities to develop their skills, independence, and leadership. Through their mentorship and enterprise support, Tori has transformed her dream into a reality, opening her own business and continuing to inspire others through creativity.”

Stressing that dreams can come true, Tori added: "I want people to know that with help and encouragement, anyone can achieve their dreams. Work hard and never give up.”

Aisling Doherty, Centre Manager at Lisnagelvin said she has been a big fan of Tori’s work over many years.

“Here at Lisnagelvin we are part of the local community. Tori is part of our community and I’m only too delighted to see her display her talents within the centre. Indeed, her mum used to work within the centre at the creche before Tori was born, so it’s a reawakening to see another McNeill back in the fold!”

The young artist’s work adorns the walls at the entrance to the Shopping Centre and she can be seen working in the foyer over many days between now and Christmas, so come along and show your support.