Tag: #Ireland

Bogs Are Like Pages of History

Treasures and inspiration are found in these layers of history that bring warmth and a distinct aroma to a cold, rainy evening in Ireland.

Many time I get asked travel questions about Ireland. When it comes to where to stay I always quickly respond with a local BnB. My reasons for this are always that you are getting to know those who know Ireland best…they were born and raised there. A favorite stay of mine was in Tipperary at a BnB called Old Farm hosted by Margaret & Alfie McCaffrey.

While spending a few days, Alfie took me to visit several local sites, foraging for mushrooms and answered absolutely any question this American Artist could come up with, in regards to Ireland and her ancestors.  I have to say one of my favorite sites was the Redwood Bog.  While walking the bog Alfie explained the process of owning part of the bog, harvesting turf, what makes the bog and the different plants that were in the bog.

Being a gardener I was totally attracted to several of the plants.  One of the plants that really caught my eye is the bog asphodel.  This plant produces spikes of beautiful bright yellow flowers in the Summer and the foliage turns a stunning burnt rust in the Fall.  This rusty orange color plays off beautifully against the lavender heather that also grows in the bog.  So if you can imagine the two colors together it will quite literally make you stop your car to take a look!  Along with these plants are also the bog cotton.  It is as its name would imply a plant which appears as a wispy boll of cotton.  When you see this plant there will be wetland and acidic soil beneath.

“A Walk in the Bog” | 14×11 | oil on board | SOLD

These waterlogged, nutrient rich patches of land are layers and layers of plant material that have decomposed over years and years of time.  It creates an entire ecosystem for wildlife and plants which has been a source of fuel for the residence for many years.  Between the layers of the bog are the stories of time.

The remains of animals and humans have been discovered, along with swords, ornaments, bog oak and many other wonderful gems can be found accidentally deposited over the years  in the bogs. Due to the properties of Sphagnum moss in the bogs, which has preservatives built into it’s cells, whatever dies or is covered in it will decay much more slowly and therefore have many more stories to tell of the past when discovered.

Bog Asphedol and Heather

I have found the bogs to be inspirational because of their history, intense beauty and significance to the people of Ireland over the years.  If you make it to Ireland please take the time to walk and discover these pieces of ground steeped in history and significance throughout the West and midlands of Ireland.

We Are All Irish for March!

Tóg go bog é & Celebrate the month of the Irish!

There are many reasons to love the arrival of March…Spring, Warmer Weather, Flowers &

ST. PATRICK’S DAY!

This is the day we are all Irish…if even for just one day.

We don the green, we pinch those who don’t and we love heading to the parades and pubs.

Being Irish, I love watching everyone celebrate my Irish ancestors!  Talking about my times in Ireland, time spent traveling the countryside, getting to know the history and people of the Emerald Isle is something I really enjoy sharing.  St. Patrick’s Day invites me to do all of it!

“The Wilds of the Atlantic” | 16’x20″ | Oil on Board | $720

One of the pieces of Ireland that I’ve brought back and love to experience in my own kitchen is the art of making traditional brown bread.  Inbetween working on new works of art I enjoy stirring-up a quick batch of Brown Bread.

If you are looking for a special Irish treat to celebrate the holiday with I highly recommend Traditional Brown Bread.  It is super easy to make and brings the warm homey fragrance of freshly baked bread to the entire house.  This wonderful fragrance has a way of transporting the entire house to the beautiful green sunny shores of Ireland.  My favorite recipe for brown bread is one I picked up from the Gouganebarra Hotel in County Cork.  Gouganebarra  is a really special place to visit and spend some quality time.  It has made it into many of my photographs and paintings.

Brown Bread for Lunch Anyone?

One of the reasons this recipe is a favorite is that it contains treacle .  If you have never had treacle before it brings a sweet syrupy molasses/honey flavor to the bread.  I have found that I love this bread toasted in the mornings as much as a sidekick to a hearty soup.

Another ingredient this recipe calls for is Irish Wholemeal Flour.  In the states this ingredient can be challenging to find at the local grocer but I choose to do an online order from King Arthur flour.  This flour is a special coarsely ground, dense red whole wheat flour.

Another way to enjoy the bread is with some Kerrygold Dubliner Cheddar Cheese, Kerrygold butter or live on the edge and include BOTH!  This bread also is terrific to take on a long hike for an energy snack.

Whatever you do in March enjoy the refreshing outdoors and bring a bit of the Irish to your kitchen.

Tóg go bog é – Take it Easy!

If you’d like me to email this brown bread recipe,  in the comments below leave the best way to send it or message me and I’ll send it on over.

Bringing Simplicity into Life and Design

“There are two ways to live: as though nothing is a miracle, or as though everything is a miracle” Albert Einstein

Last Summer I took a course on Abstract Painting at the Burren College of Art. Set in Ireland’s famous Burren you can’t help but absorb all its natural beauty.

While there I had a time of both personal and creative growth. 

The campus contains centuries of architectural grandeur including a castle as its center axis and fields with rows and rows of stonewalls carefully stacked by generations prior. Each wall has its own little micro-garden growing on, in and over it. They were each and every one of them exploding with colors that would fill a rainbow.

While walking the lanes and narrow roads around the college I had times of great peace and contemplation which resulted in a harvesting of a wealth of creative research.

My abstract painting instructor, Rita Wobble challenged us to think of our world in a more simplified manner. I’m talking circles, rectangles, triangles and flat colors. I found it to be an interesting but yet a tall challenge to a realist painter. However, by the middle of the week I realized I was starting to get the hang of it.

One morning middle of the week I was eating my breakfast while watching birds on a wire only to find myself creating those simple lines and colors just as we had talked about several days earlier.

I found it to be both relaxing and peaceful to not need to include every detail and leave a bit to be interpreted later. I no longer had the demand of many little feathers to draw but a circle with two triangles coming off of it that now represented my small bird.

Could life really be this easy?

Part of simplifying life for me includes working on myself. One of my favorite places to collect my thoughts, create and write is Dzogchen Beara, a Buddhist meditation center in Ireland. I can’t think of any place more peaceful for reflection, contemplation and strengthening of my inner-soul. In order to make changes in my life I must be strong and at peace in myself.  Where is your favorite place to recharge and collect yourself?

In order to give the best of yourself, you need to be the best of yourself!

Prints Available!

Little reminders I like to have around the studio and my home are quotes. I find having a few simple wise words to be just that meaningful or funny message I need as I’m going through a tough time or just having a cup of coffee trying to decide how to proceed with my day.

Combining the ordinary (weeds) and the extraordinary (favorite quotes) is such a great juxtaposition! By combining the ordinary with the more refined I think allows you to realize that life isn’t perfect and that we can meet it where it is at and transform it into the simple life it was meant to be. This series of work is one I really enjoy working on so I’m continually adding to it. Do you have a favorite quote I should use? I’d LOVE to hear it! Leave it in the comments below.

During my creative adventures I rejoice in finding the ordinary, that which is passed by, and turning it into a work of art in an attempt to show people that there is beauty all around them. Some of my favorite “flowers” to paint are those “weeds”. They are wild, not planned and still they evoke a life lived to their fullest.

The world has so much to offer if we will open our hearts and minds to the love, beauty and kindness of who and what is around us.

Way too often we magnify the differences and conflicts of this world are brought out.  I challenge you to look more closely for the similarities next time and what can inspire you to be a better person. Which can in turn inspire you to be the best, whether that is more simplified or not, person you can be.

Prints Available!
Prints Available!

Over the next week look for the beauty in this world so love and kindness can win!

Prints of the two inspirational designs with quotes above are available in my etsy shop MargaretDukeman.etsy.com

While on the Beara Don’t Forget to Take the R575!

Hugging the Coast this Road won’t Disappoint!

One of my favorite roads in all of Ireland is probably the curviest and trickiest of those for a first time driver. However the rewards are huge and well worth the nail biting time for the driver or backseat driver. This road between Allihies and Eyeries hugs the coast and gives jaw-dropping views across Coulagh Bay to Kerry. One of the delightful differences of this drive over the Ring of Kerry is the lack of the large tourist buses. The Ring of Beara is both quaint, quiet and all that you are hoping for in a trip to Ireland. I may be just a slight bit partial as this is where my ancestors came from and I can see their faces in the locals and hear their voices in the stories that are told.

As you start winding your way on this gorgeous drive you will see so many stunning views. Just remember to stay on your side (that would be the left) of the road as you lose yourself in the views. Drive it slow and take your time. Make sure to notice pullovers as these allow you to let locals and others to get by so you can travel slow and still see everything there is to take in on this amazing adventure. On this stretch you will get glimpses of Dursey Island, along with the bull, the cow and the calf, three small islands off the end of the peninsula. Take time to get out and walk as you will see so much more and feel the beautiful sea breezes on your face.

As you take a steep ascent along this winding road you will come to the peak of the mountain. From here I’d suggest you pullover just to see what you can see…okay I always have to get a picture from this spot as well. On a beautiful clear day you can see the Iveragh peninsulas, better known as the Ring of Kerry while looking to the north. As you are looking across the countryside you will also want to noticed the amazing weathered fence posts and the way they lead your eye through the landscapes. These gray “soldiers” appear to guard the roadsides and help you get safely along your way.

As you pass over the mountain you will see that the road winds like a river as it heads towards a pink farmhouse and outbuildings. Like threading a needle you will pass between the house and the outbuildings so be sure to slow to a snails pace and wave if the farm lady happens to be hanging her laundry out to dry.  The beauty of this setting is absolute storybook like.

Next on the R575 adventure is the quick hike up to the Mass Rock located on the East side of this beautiful road. As you take the short hike up the mountainside you will feel the intense history of this place which goes back to Penal Law times. Due to the laws of the time period it is completely hidden from the roadway. Once you arrive at the Mass Rock you realize just how hidden it is from the road and the protection that it would have provided from persecution.

Upon leaving the Mass Rock you will climb up yet another mountain to reveal yet another beautiful valley on the other side. While winding down the narrow lane of the reverse side I’d suggest you stop in at the Urhan Inn for a pint. There have a wonderful array of outside seating on a beautiful day and a warm pub atmosphere inside on a gray one. Either way you are sure to find a great place for a pause!

From here simply enjoy the last few kilometers winding your way through the countryside to Eyeries.   This colorful village is sure to not disappoint with all of its brightly colored buildings. I’d suggest a relaxing stop at Cindy’s Gem Cafe for a coffee or tea and a treat or a pint at Causkey’s on the back patio.

Here’s to a drive with an adventure around each of its many curves along the Wild Atlantic Way’s coastline…SLAINTE!

Hedgerow Magic

hedge•row :a rough or mixed hedge of shrubs, trees or plants enclosing or separating fields

Hedgerows were originally planted to delineate fields and town lands in Ireland. They have grown into very important habitats for a diverse group of plants and animals. These living fences line the narrow roadways and insist that you slow to a pace that allows you to see all the life that they are supporting.

These vertical works of art contain flowers, birds, insects, trees and shrubs. Each of these elements supports the other creating its own little ecosystem. Along with being beautiful they are a wonderfully protective place for birds to build their nests and bees to make their homes in wait to do their job of pollinating the plants in the fields around them. These hedgerows provide a valuable service to agriculture through their habitats for pollinators, flora and fauna, and the prevention of soil erosion.

However, as an artist one of my favorite parts are the flowers that they host. They make their homes both in the cracks of the stones, as well as, in the dirt that the winds have deposited in between them. Montebretia, heather and gorse are some of the most widely seen plants I’ve noticed the walls hosting. With their intense colors of orange, purple and yellow the walls create their own abstract painting. The earth is singing a symphony in these roadside treasures.

The road appears to be getting a “sandwich” hug from both sides with the hedgerows. One of my favorite colors is purple because it is so deep and rich. The brilliant hedgerows are filled with these color. While walking the land I am recharged by listening to the earth sing with its beauty. As a child growing up in Iowa I remember enjoying the weeds/flowers that naturally grew in the ditches along side the roads. Even today these “volunteer gardens” bring me a great deal of joy as the hedgerows do in Ireland. What one person considers a weed another may call a flower. The bees that we so desperately need seem to have an infinity for them all and are totally indifferent as to their hierarchy.

So next time you venture out into the country or take a walk in nature remember to slow down and notice the masterpieces being created all around you.

Not every masterpiece is created in the studio…so often it has help from what is right outside.

What Do You Think Is One Of My Most Asked Questions?

As I start my yearly retreat in Ireland I thought I’d answer the question that I get asked frequently.

“Why do you travel alone?”

When was the last time you took off on a trip by yourself? I’m not talking a movie night or going to see relatives, although these are a great place to start. I’m talking about a week or weekend where you don’t have to answer to anyone or anything. The job and responsibilities are left behind and the phone isn’t by your side.

Each year I challenge myself to experience a time like this as I head to Ireland for an exhibition and a self-designed residency for six to eight weeks. The first time I did this was a real awakening experience; I had decided to spend an additional week in Ireland after traveling with my sisters and mother. When they left me alone in our last hotel I suddenly realized I had no one but myself to rely on, which was a bit unsettling in a foreign country.

The feelings were both scary and empowering all at the same time.

I knew no one in the entire country that I could have called upon if I had needed help. Once I got past this paralyzing feeling I began to experience the biggest rush of an adventure. Each time I accomplished something I told myself “Look that wasn’t hard and you did it all on your own!”

Traveling on your own comes with some wonderful perks. YOU decide which exhibitions you attend, what architectural marvels you walk past, how long you linger in a space and what direction you walk.

Good or bad, right or wrong each decision is yours…ALL YOURS!

Over the years I have found this time to be very cathartic. I spend a great deal of time soul-searching, writing, creating artwork and gathering information which later is translated into works of art in my Huntsville, Alabama studio. Writing was never something that I considered myself to be good at but it has really given a lot back to me over time. I force myself to reflect on my life and all the riches that it provides on a daily basis and what I’d love to add to it over time. These discoveries always manage to find their way into my work either through my writing or creative manifestations. I spend a great deal of time observing nature while climbing the mountains and sitting by the sea. The freshness of the breezes whipping my hair from side to side give my skin that freshly touched feeling.

Me finding balance in life…even if it is on a rock.

These times of solitude feel like a baptism, allowing me to open a new chapter in my life. I can’t wait to see where this year challenges me to go!

How do you reset or challenge yourself?

Big Inspiration in a Small Town!

John and Margaret Shea’s 1800’s home.

One of my favorite places to visit would be the small town of Apple River, Illinois. This is a town that many probably travel through and don’t give a second look in this rural area of Northern Illinois. For me it holds a great deal of history and it brings hugs from years ago. My Greatx3 Grandparents were pulled to this area through their longing for land in this new country around 1845. What they got was beautiful black loamy soil that was rich for farming and held the ability to raise a family of twelve.

Love the deep window sills created by the thick rock walls!

Before and after arriving in the United States my Grandfather was a miner. This occupation had its hard work and dangerous working conditions. In Ireland he mined copper and in the U.S. he brought lead to the surface. His long, hard days were measured by the burning of candles one after the other to measure the workday. Miners were given tools (picks and shovels) by the company to retrieve the precious metals only to have them weighed at the weeks end to be charged for the metal that had been worn away. This loss of metal was charged against the small pay that they were to receive. Don’t get me wrong, I am sure they were grateful for the work but the conditions were less than favorable and the pay was barely enough for a family to survive on. Many of these miners were woman and children as well. It took most of the family working to have food to eat and a very small “roof” over their head.  

Original Barn built prior to the house as shelter for man and beast.

My Grandparents were fortunate to have left Ireland before the “an Gorta Mór”. They instead worried and grieved for family still remaining in the country during this horrible time. During this time in Ireland land was taken from those that had worked it for many generations and given to landowners by the governing body. Land was a scarce commodity and therefore a big achievement for emigrants arriving in the states. We are very proud of where we come from and the grit and determination it must have taken for our ancestors to achieve all that they did and I pull a lot of my inspiration from them.  

My Grandparents, John Shea and Margaret Murphy, immigrants from Ireland.

In Apple River, Illinois stands the home and farm of my Greatx3 Grandparents. It appears that they built the barn and lived in it while they built their Irish-style stone house. It is a three up, three down Irish-style house made of stone. The stone was acquired from a quarry not far from the homes location. The windows have deep sills and the front faces South to maximize the warming light during those cold winter days. We are so fortunate to still have this home standing. It has been restored and cared for by the John and Barbara Rutherford family. John, having a love of history was so pleased when my Uncle discovered the property and was able to interject our family history into the home of which he was so passionate about. Our families will always have a bond together because of this beautiful home and farm.

Much thanks to the Rutherford family for saving

our precious family history!

Try a Little Mud for Creative Inspiration!

“Walking the Fields of the Prairie” | Oil on Board | 6″x12″ | $360

The land inspires much of what I paint through what it provides and the simplicity of living off the land. Growing-up in Iowa I spent a great deal of time on a farm with pigs, horses, crops and lots of things to get into for a kid (Not all of which were parental approved.) However, having four confidants in crime (brothers and sisters) we were able to find all kinds of adventures to pursue. We played in the mud, created pottery out of it and were lucky enough to have my Mom bake our creations in the oven. She even used on one of her prized cookie sheets. I do believe the turtle creations hung around for more than 10 years!

“Simplicity is the Ultimate Sophistication”.

Leonardo da Vinci
The Land I Played on in Iowa as Child and it still Inspires Me Today.

Our farm house sat beautifully in the middle of acres and acres of cornfields.  This was no ordinary old two story farmhouse, it’s claim to fame was a that it was a hide-out for the infamous Jesse James from time to time.  That’s right the outlaw!

Back to the cornfields and dirt:  If you were to wander through one of the cornfields you’d find a creek which was always calling our names.  After all what kid wouldn’t like to play in the water and mud of a creek??  This was after all considered an acceptable place to play by our parents…on the other hand we did manage to find a form of playing in the mud that wasn’t as welcome to our Mother. 

Here is where some of that “Creativity” comes in. One fine Summer day we discovered a very large tractor tire track in a field that was filled with the PERFECT amount of water to make it delightfully slippery. Our experimentation began with running and sliding while standing up. Our vertical sliding method “accidentally” morphed into sliding on our stomachs which proved to be absolutely OUTSTANDING! This event of “opportunity” happened probably 45 years ago and I remember it like it was yesterday. By the time my mother was made aware of our latest adventure we were covered in mud from head to toe. Even to this day it is puzzling to me as to why this was such a problem…give me a minute as I get up off the floor from laughing so hard!

I have always felt growing up on a farm was a real treat and a great way to learn to appreciate the hard work, determination and grit that it takes to live off the land. Oh yea and there is plenty of mud!

Simplicity is the final achievement…it is simplicity that emerges as the crowning reward of art.

Frederic Chopin
Myself (Back Center) and My Confidants in Crime: Karla, Sarah, Andy and Mark…That’s right I’m naming names and I can’t imagine life without them!

Much of my creative inspiration comes from those years on the farm and a life lived quietly and simply in the country, even as a child. Children are always learning and discovering things that will carry them through their lives whether directly or indirectly. So when you see weathered fence posts, a creek or a ditch of wildflowers appear in my work they come from the simplicity of daily life and travels in the States and abroad.

So if you are looking for inspiration I highly suggest mud!

After all what’s simpler than mud?

Ever Wonder: How Long Does It Take to Make A Painting?

Ever wondered how long it takes to make a painting?

“Scottish Plume Thistle” | 8″x10″ | Oil on Board | $360 | ©MargaretDukeman


Many times I’ve been asked
“How Long Did That Painting Take To Complete?”
There is no short simple answer to this question.
 
An artist’s work of art is similar to the delivering of a baby, much thought and preparation goes into it. With your art you’ve thought about it, researched the subject, discovered the best angles and composition, done quick sketches and/or take photos as reference for the studio, and developed the color scheme that develops the mood you are trying to achieve. Each painting is a building block in the castle of your skills through new brush strokes, color combinations and different mediums. This experimenting and learning of skills are carried-over from one painting to the next.
 

Continue reading “Ever Wonder: How Long Does It Take to Make A Painting?”

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.

Ireland 11 - DUK_7044 low res

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.  Continue reading “Why Ireland?”