Tag: Ireland

Creativity and cosy rest: what Winter is teaching me (and the power of the pause).

Daylight delights It has been cold and frosty recently. As I write this, on a dark January morning, a deep sense of peace and contentment is enveloping me. I am cosy and well-rested. Self-employment requires a massive amount of work behind the scenes, and today I will take it easy. Wrapped in four layers of… Continue reading Creativity and cosy rest: what Winter is teaching me (and the power of the pause).

Daylight delights It has been cold and frosty recently. As I write this, on a dark January morning, a deep sense of peace and contentment is enveloping me. I am cosy and well-rested. Self-employment requires a massive amount of work behind the scenes, and today I will take it easy. Wrapped in four layers of…… Continue reading Creativity and cosy rest: what Winter is teaching me (and the power of the pause).

Pausing to ponder (my visual arts practice).

The Visual Artists of Ireland commissioned me to write about my arts practice a few months ago. The latest publication has landed, and I am in very good company. Writing poetry, stories, and articles is fine, however when it came to talking about my own arts practice it was a challenge to condense over 20… Continue reading Pausing to ponder (my visual arts practice).

The Visual Artists of Ireland commissioned me to write about my arts practice a few months ago. The latest publication has landed, and I am in very good company. Writing poetry, stories, and articles is fine, however when it came to talking about my own arts practice it was a challenge to condense over 20…… Continue reading Pausing to ponder (my visual arts practice).

Blackberry picking and listening to poetry

In honour of the season and of one of my favourite poets, I recorded ‘Blackberry-Picking’ by Seamus Heaney. Listen here: Blackberry-Picking BY SEAMUS HEANEY Late August, given heavy rain and sun For a full week, the blackberries would ripen. At first, just one, a glossy purple clot Among others, red, green, hard as a knot. You…… Continue reading Blackberry picking and listening to poetry

Art is a living animal.

There is a lot to celebrate at Lughnasadh, and today a delightful delivery arrived. ‘Fur, Feather, Pen’ features writing and photographs from James Anthony, Neil Bronsan, Paul Buttimer, Barbara Derbyshire, Priscilla Donovan, Nicki Griffin, Jenny Horgan, Matt Moloney, Jamie O’Halloran, and myself. There was no endless form-filling or adminstration mountains to climb and repeat in…… Continue reading Art is a living animal.

‘Restored’. A tribute to the human spirit.

LISTEN TO THE POEM: RESTORED It’s no secret They failed to silence you Even as you struggled with mud-caked wings For you were cherished by silver birch And carried by the wind. Honeybees sought the song in your throat When dawn was a hoarse whisper The sun bestowed its morning dew And clover willed your…… Continue reading ‘Restored’. A tribute to the human spirit.

Loving colour on the cusp of Summer

SUNRISE SERENADE This morning, not long after sunrise, I took a photo of my latest artwork on the grass outside while listening to birdsong. Bliss! This piece was stARTed in 2020. I stopped working on it for a while to prepare for ‘Solas’ (my Imbolc exhibition of photography and poetry), then finally completed it lately.…… Continue reading Loving colour on the cusp of Summer