I Want to Play the Bodhran

I continue to be delighted, charmed and enchanted by every single thing here.

After three weeks, we've fallen into a pattern of painting, eating delicious fresh food, evening entertainment and falling into an exhausted sleep. Packed within our days are hundreds of stellar moments.  From the delightful student who said "cheers" to everything (I love that!  How sunny and fresh!) to another who was a musical theater buff and also a fan of Portlandia.  And one who bought the house of her grandmother, next to her auntie's house, a quick walk through the gate away.  I am charmed.

Diane painted along the cliffs of Ballybunion last night as I was tangling botanicals in the studio with incredibly talented artists.  We converged at John B's for pub theater, and it did not disappoint!

"Catch a Falling Star" - mixed media on reclaimed wood

Dave O'Sullivan was in mighty form playing the bishop in a moving act from "The Field."  He's also an all-around nice guy, willing to rescue ladies from unwanted attention and put up with our enthusiastic photos.  Well done, Dave!  We appreciate you!

Mickey MacConnell  was in pure voice, playing a song we hadn't heard before about 911.  A tribute to the many firefighters climbing the tower stairs who were Irish, it brought tears to my eyes.  A somber connection between our countries, and a beautiful song as well.

There were new bits from Billy Keane along with our favorite, "The Star Man", and the passionate voice of Owen Hand filling every corner of the room.  Visitors from near and far joining in to sing the pub anthem, holding hands with strangers and friends in a quirky and precious moment of connectivity.  I've described these evenings more than once, yet no words do them justice.  

After the main event was over, a  group of young musicians began playing, and I fell in love with the bodhran.  It's likely the first love of every tourist to Ireland, and yet I am under its spell.

We'll be spending the day setting up for our art reception this evening.  You'd think this would be the "main event" for a couple of artists spending a month in Ireland. There is so much more to this adventure than the art.  The art, the blogs - they are a small attempt to convey the magic of a place far away from our daily lives, where we are now right at home, where "everybody knows your name.  And their always glad you came. "  Cheers.

"Catch a Falling Star" is the final piece of mixed media on reclaimed wood from the Jeanie Johnston replica ship.  It will be on display this evening, from 6-8 pm at Olive Stack Gallery.