Why Ireland?

I have always been inquisitive about family history, but no one could have told me that making my first trip to West Cork, Ireland would make such a deep impression on me.    This trip was to discover the land of my ancestors but once on the ground I knew it held so much more.  It quickly won my heart with its family history, wonderfully warm friendly people and the stunning landscapes everywhere I looked.  I felt an immediate need to bring these emotions to my easel.

Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.”  ~John Muir

My ancestors come from the Beara Peninsula, an area of Ireland that is not intensely populated.  What it lacks in numbers it makes up for in its treasure trove of landscapes and history.  This history can be found everywhere due its remote location making it ideal for an artist to crawl in and become part of the land and its people.  I travel here once a year to hold an exhibition, have a self-designed residency and simply be part of the communities and people.  Growing up in the rural areas of Iowa I instantly felt at home in this more remote location.  Here is where I hike the mountains, sit by the sea and let the silence soak through to my creative soul.  I don’t miss the activities of the larger villages and cities.  Don’t get me wrong they are wonderful as well, but the ability to commune with the countryside has always called my heart.  I bring these hidden locations and landscapes to my work.

One of my favorite sites are the animals.  Many of them roam the hillsides and manage to delightfully find their way on the very narrow roads.  These roadblocks give you the license to slow the car down or stop and see all that is around you.  I had never painted animals until they kept coming into my camera’s viewfinder.  One day I couldn’t resist them any longer and took a dive into uncharted, uncomfortable territory.  That is a lot of what my travels are all about…Keeping life interesting and adventurous.

HIDDEN GEM:

The Sea Arches are a place not miss while on the Beara Peninsula.  They are located on R575 several kilometers from Allihies on your way to Eyeries.  Grab a picnic lunch and go explore them on a beautiful day.