Tag: #IrishWayofLife

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.

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?

The Packing & Countdown have started!

Seven and Counting…

Seven and counting…One week from today I’ll be heading to Ireland. Boarding that jet with my paintings for exhibition, my camera, watercolor supplies and just a few clothes. I can’t think of any way better to spend six weeks than creating, writing and exploring this land of my ancestors! Inspiration comes when I slow down to a delightfully slow pace on two-tire track roads with grass growing in the middle. These are roads that wind and turn as they find their way around the mountains, valleys and stonewall lined fields.

Quilted Valley, Mountain and Skies | 16”x20” | oil on board

Continue reading “The Packing & Countdown have started!”