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"Stacked" - acrylic on reclaimed teak board. Inquiries. Available at the Olive Stack Gallery.
Finally, finally. The long teak board from Bridget's barn finds its form. Nearly six feet tall with a thin profile and three of my favorite Irish characters. I smile each time I pass by this one...sassy rabbit says "hold still down there" while the sheep wonders why she is standing on a predator. Foxy is annoyed with the entire exercise.
It was the last full day for my guests, who filled every moment of the day and into the wee hours of the night. The time for leaving clearly weighs heavy on their hearts, as I believe this land has captured their love as much as it has mine.
We had tickets for St. John's last night, where a holiday show featuring singer Claire Keane and friends was utterly spectacular.
Finally, finally. The long teak board from Bridget's barn finds its form. Nearly six feet tall with a thin profile and three of my favorite Irish characters. I smile each time I pass by this one...sassy rabbit says "hold still down there" while the sheep wonders why she is standing on a predator. Foxy is annoyed with the entire exercise.
It was the last full day for my guests, who filled every moment of the day and into the wee hours of the night. The time for leaving clearly weighs heavy on their hearts, as I believe this land has captured their love as much as it has mine.
We had tickets for St. John's last night, where a holiday show featuring singer Claire Keane and friends was utterly spectacular.
Keane's voice was pure and true, bringing tears to our eyes. Irish dancers delighted the audience with their skill, glittery costumes and the exuberance of youth. Traditional Irish flute music was new for me, and I am enchanted by the instrument, its sounds and the soulful renderings of the flautist.
There was poetry by Gabriel Fitzmaurice in both Irish and English, both serious and hilarious as only he can do.
There was poetry by Gabriel Fitzmaurice in both Irish and English, both serious and hilarious as only he can do.
The gorgeous music of Mickey McConnell blended well with Claire Keane in Silent Night...and then my favorite, Lidl and Aldi, whose lyrics I knew nearly by heart and couldn't help but sing along. If you haven't heard this before, here it is for your enjoyment. If you have heard it before, you'll likely want to listen again. :)
Host Billy Keane was dapper and eloquent, even giving a shout out to the North Carolinians seated next to me. His performance of his own poem, The Star Man, written about his father, was the essence of everything about Listowel which makes our hearts find a home here.
The gang ended the evening at John B's, where Billy signed books, Mickey shared philosophy and three sleepy Americans wondered how to get an Irish pub on every street corner at home.
For today, dear reader, I leave you with Sweet Listowel...
For today, dear reader, I leave you with Sweet Listowel...
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It was a magical evening, with beautiful people fighting wind, rain and cold to attend the exhibition opening. The room was bright, warm and inviting. A respite from the weather and darkness outside.
"Trading Secrets" - mixed media on press (cabinet) wood. Inquiries. Available at the Olive Stack Gallery.
Over the river and through the woods. Past the cemetery and several farms. Out of town. My stalwart travel companions were on a mission to make a floral arrangement for Olive's exhibition. The freezing rain was sleeting into their faces, but with heads tucked down they forged ahead toward the floral shop. Which they passed miles back, but didn't know because...their heads were tucked down. But ultimately the flowers were gorgeous and their efforts were grand. Trina is the flower whisperer. Shhhh.
Over the river and through the woods. Past the cemetery and several farms. Out of town. My stalwart travel companions were on a mission to make a floral arrangement for Olive's exhibition. The freezing rain was sleeting into their faces, but with heads tucked down they forged ahead toward the floral shop. Which they passed miles back, but didn't know because...their heads were tucked down. But ultimately the flowers were gorgeous and their efforts were grand. Trina is the flower whisperer. Shhhh.
There were ooohs and aaahs and red dots, wine, chocolate brussels sprouts (for real!) and laughter. And art. Oh! The art!
What a joyous event for me, with friends across continents meeting for the first time. Friends I've missed (including one delightful girl who understands the fairies much better than I do) shared smiles and hugs and stories.. Connecting in Ireland is a real thing. People take the time to care, connect, listen and share.
The opening may be over and the wine glasses tucked away, but the show remains up and you're very welcome to stop by...the weather outside is frightful, but in here it's all delightful!
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Today's blog features art from Olive Stack's exhibition, "The Giving Season." To purchase or inquire, please contact the gallery or visit the website.
There is excitement building in the gallery!
Tonight is the opening of a new exhibition featuring work Olive created over the last sixteen months. It is a pivotal time in the life of an artist, when a new body of work is framed, hung, titled and labeled. For most artists (Olive included), this is the first time an entire grouping is viewed all at once - even by the artist herself. Until the last piece is up, most artists will be holding their breath, then stepping back, exhaling and opening their eyes. This, this is the culmination of a year or more of work. This is her creation.
There is excitement building in the gallery!
Tonight is the opening of a new exhibition featuring work Olive created over the last sixteen months. It is a pivotal time in the life of an artist, when a new body of work is framed, hung, titled and labeled. For most artists (Olive included), this is the first time an entire grouping is viewed all at once - even by the artist herself. Until the last piece is up, most artists will be holding their breath, then stepping back, exhaling and opening their eyes. This, this is the culmination of a year or more of work. This is her creation.
Wine O'Clock - oil on panel
Arty-Choke (Hearts of Paris), oil on panel
How poignant to have this exhibition going up during the holidays...the year is drawing to a close and families are gathering together. Each of us may ponder the year behind us, celebrating successes or contemplating loss. To see a body of work dressed in its finery at this time of year may inform the next collection, to be started once the holiday lights are dimmed and extra long shop hours are ended.
It is the season of giving. Giving gifts, yes, but also giving ourselves a break from the constant push and pull. Giving us time for reflection and rejuvenation. Giving our spirits a chance to catch up with our feet, as a wise woman told me last week over breakfast (thanks, Mary!) and giving our feet a chance to rest.
It is the season of giving. Giving gifts, yes, but also giving ourselves a break from the constant push and pull. Giving us time for reflection and rejuvenation. Giving our spirits a chance to catch up with our feet, as a wise woman told me last week over breakfast (thanks, Mary!) and giving our feet a chance to rest.
It is the season for giving ourselves a pat on the back for a life well-lived, and for work well-done. For an artist, it is the season for giving our art a chance to speak to hearts and delight eyes. Giving the gift of art to the world, and hoping the world receives it with open arms.
It is a massive body of work, this new show. Paintings, mosaics, watercolors and drawings in abundance. There is a playful abandon in much of this work, a joyful embracing of life and color and form. It reflects the freedom afforded by a successful residency program and the chance to spend time painting in Paris, France.
It is a massive body of work, this new show. Paintings, mosaics, watercolors and drawings in abundance. There is a playful abandon in much of this work, a joyful embracing of life and color and form. It reflects the freedom afforded by a successful residency program and the chance to spend time painting in Paris, France.
I Don't Give a Fig! (Garlic and Figs), oil on panel
I'm feeling quite sentimental as I write these words. To have been present at Olive's last exhibition in 2016 was a delight; to be here for this one is an honor. Olive has created a home for artists around the world here in Listowel, and I am one of the lucky ones. Congratulations, Olive Stack! "The Giving Season" is a masterful exhibition, a bounty perfect for the month of angels singing, trees twinkling and hearts filled with joy.
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Tidy.
Everywhere is tidy.
The Tidy Town street cleaners signal - wake up! Wake up!
Adventure beckons.
Even the ruins are free of litter, graffiti, debris.
There is care here.
Everywhere is tidy.
The Tidy Town street cleaners signal - wake up! Wake up!
Adventure beckons.
Even the ruins are free of litter, graffiti, debris.
There is care here.
The weight of centuries on lintels.
The stones don't lie.
The stones don't lie.
Who walked these cloisters?
What secrets were whispered in huddled robes?
We touch ancient walls, feel bones beneath us.
Reverent, hushed.
The rain pauses. The wind whips.
We climb.
Where to look?
Everywhere is wonder.
The sky smiles knowingly.
Everywhere is wonder.
The sky smiles knowingly.
There is a brief love affair with ice cream.
Sea salted vanilla chills, satisfies.
The sun sets on Inch Beach.
Hush, hush.
Hush, hush.
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We stormed the castle ramparts in Killarney.
Well, perhaps stormed is strong wording.
Those ramparts knew we were there.
The Stackmobile supplied coffee, gloves, dirty jokes and safe transport.
Secret gardens at Muckross House twisted, turned, delighted.
Torc Waterfall was a willing backdrop for happy tourists.
The tide shifted.
A treasure bag appeared and someone began collecting bits.
I won't say who.
Away! Away! To the Gap of Dunloe, where one of us went rogue.
Up the mountain.
Chasing goats.
I won't say who.
And then this happened.
It actually did.
A fish! A fish!
The woman's gone mad.
A ferrel tourist on the loose.
I won't say who.
It actually did.
A fish! A fish!
The woman's gone mad.
A ferrel tourist on the loose.
I won't say who.
And she's not even wearing a coat.
You know who.
Away! Away! The rains are coming!
Mist descends.
The tourist is recaptured and tamed.
Irish coffee is needed.
And a wolfhound.
And a wolfhound.
Again! Again!
But first, sleep.
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"Claire" - mixed media on wood, 18" x 6". Inquiries. Available at the Olive Stack Gallery.
A couple of familiar faces landed in the gallery yesterday.
Beset by travel snafus, weather delays and cancelled flights, they persisted until someone by golly made sure they had a seat and pressed the GO button on the plane! Even the weather here is testing what stuff these lads are made of, as the cold increased, rain is falling and the wind continues to smack us in the faces. But I am a happy camper, because these ladies brought me soup. :)
This little Jack Russell is another familiar face. We watched him from the window last August, and he is back at his post as the owner runs in to the local shop. This feisty guy is not deterred by rain and cold. He barks at every car, but never steps into the road. I wonder if he sees the fairies there?
I have been living out of half of a suitcase this month (the other half was art supplies). I brought less clothing than I did last August, even though its colder. How is this possible?
It is actually another one of the delightful secrets of Ireland (and Europe in general, I am told). People here (even women, yes WOMEN) do not own a massive closet full of outfits. Sure, there is less space in most homes and apartments. Mostly it is the practice of having a few good pieces and wearing them over and over again.
It is actually another one of the delightful secrets of Ireland (and Europe in general, I am told). People here (even women, yes WOMEN) do not own a massive closet full of outfits. Sure, there is less space in most homes and apartments. Mostly it is the practice of having a few good pieces and wearing them over and over again.
When I am here, I do not suffer the same wardrobe panic that I have at home. A few good things that all go together, a couple of scarves and jackets, two pairs of boots. That's it. I never feel like I have nothing to wear (like at home) and I feel perfectly put together wherever I go. Why is that?
It isn't expected here to have a new outfit every day or for each event. No one minds if I wore that sweater yesterday, or even the last three days. So this got me to researching...
The average American woman has 30 outfits. One for every day of the month. About 103 pieces, of which includes 25 pairs of shoes. They also donate or discard 65 pounds of clothing a year. That's a lot of clothes!!! And yet surveys show most American women feel stress opening their closet doors because their clothes are unwearable, too tight, too loose or too new. And these are women in the most casual fashion country of all, where anything goes and clothing should be easy.
One blogger suggested we ask ourselves one question before acquiring a new piece of clothing: would I want to wear this in Paris? Ouch. Out go my comfy weekend pants and that baggy sweatshirt I love. But it does bring up a great point - how many of us really, really love the clothes in our closet? Maybe a few stellar pieces (and fewer items in general) would help us answer yes to that question. In the meantime, I am going to wear this sweater one more day.
It isn't expected here to have a new outfit every day or for each event. No one minds if I wore that sweater yesterday, or even the last three days. So this got me to researching...
The average American woman has 30 outfits. One for every day of the month. About 103 pieces, of which includes 25 pairs of shoes. They also donate or discard 65 pounds of clothing a year. That's a lot of clothes!!! And yet surveys show most American women feel stress opening their closet doors because their clothes are unwearable, too tight, too loose or too new. And these are women in the most casual fashion country of all, where anything goes and clothing should be easy.
One blogger suggested we ask ourselves one question before acquiring a new piece of clothing: would I want to wear this in Paris? Ouch. Out go my comfy weekend pants and that baggy sweatshirt I love. But it does bring up a great point - how many of us really, really love the clothes in our closet? Maybe a few stellar pieces (and fewer items in general) would help us answer yes to that question. In the meantime, I am going to wear this sweater one more day.
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I learned something incredible about Ireland today.
All this time, I thought Winegums and Penguins and Jaffa Cakes and Wagon Wheels and buns and eclairs and cakes and pies were just thoughtful ways to say "hello" to new visitors and "welcome back" to those of us who can't stay away. But no, not really, not at all! Treats are for everyone, every day, all the time.
In the states, we might have a piece of fruit or a granola bar or some crackers for the odd snack. But here meals are sometimes eaten solely for the treats afterward, and treats are the snacks in between the meals. Bridget explained it is the cold...and sugar is required to keep the body warm.
"Bram-alama-ding-dong" - acrylic on aluminum panel, 12" x 12". Inquiries. Available at the Olive Stack Gallery.
Workshops are no different. Tea and treats can keep artists fueled all day long. Our work table for "It's Good to Be Queen" was as covered with treats as it was art supplies. Struggling with your design? Have a Penguin. Deciding on a color? Try a Jaffa Cake. Based on the wildly wonderful work these artists produced today, this method must be adopted immediately world-wide.
Young artist Olivia was so productive on this treat method - she completed one painting and was halfway with another before class was done.
Sweet Bridget brought millefiori beads, mirrors and baubles to make our queens' crowns extra spectacular. I think her adorable royal looks gorgeous in blue hair, floral gown and mirrored, beaded crown.
It was no surprise, of course, when Damian called at the gallery just before dinner offering slices of freshly baked apple pie.
Sweet Bridget brought millefiori beads, mirrors and baubles to make our queens' crowns extra spectacular. I think her adorable royal looks gorgeous in blue hair, floral gown and mirrored, beaded crown.
It was no surprise, of course, when Damian called at the gallery just before dinner offering slices of freshly baked apple pie.
Now I am exaggerating only slightly the amount of treats consumed here. Sure, sure - some folks do not have a sweet tooth. But what I see and love about this place is people eat. Food is enjoyed. I've yet to meet anyone on a diet. There is no guilt associated with food.. But there is also very little obesity, unlike the states. There is something delightfully refreshing about a culture where food is savored, not stressed, and treats are included as part of life's necessities.
Now where is that pack of Wagon Wheels?
Now where is that pack of Wagon Wheels?
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"Fabio" - acrylic on reclaimed wood, 9" x 6" Inquiries. Available at the Olive Stack Gallery. This piece is small enough for international shipping, or to fly home in my suitcase for that special someone.
A moody day in Ireland....alternating bright sunshine and ice balls falling from the sky. The early morning sunlight was perfect out in the country, where I learned of fairy raths and ring forts as we raced back just in time to open the gallery for the day's trade.
There are mystical circles throughout Ireland, believed to be homes of the fairies (or faeries), impish creatures who can cause mischief if you bother them. There aren't any leprechauns in Ireland (that is an American myth) but the fairies and banshees hold vast power and command respect, even to this day.
No one steps foot in a fairy fort, nor disturbs its stones nor trims the trees and bushes around it. Legend has it stepping into the fort results in certain death of the trespasser, his family or his livestock.
A moody day in Ireland....alternating bright sunshine and ice balls falling from the sky. The early morning sunlight was perfect out in the country, where I learned of fairy raths and ring forts as we raced back just in time to open the gallery for the day's trade.
There are mystical circles throughout Ireland, believed to be homes of the fairies (or faeries), impish creatures who can cause mischief if you bother them. There aren't any leprechauns in Ireland (that is an American myth) but the fairies and banshees hold vast power and command respect, even to this day.
No one steps foot in a fairy fort, nor disturbs its stones nor trims the trees and bushes around it. Legend has it stepping into the fort results in certain death of the trespasser, his family or his livestock.
Photo from the Irish Times
The practical purpose of these stone rings was to protect the local families and livestock from wolves and other predators. Land around the fort was cultivated, but people lived inside, and livestock were brought in at nightfall for safety. There were sometimes moats or thorn bushes surrounding the fort for extra protection. These weren't battle-ready structures. Often there were several within a small area to afford protection for all.
After the practical use of these ring forts was no longer necessary, the Celtic legends which grew up around them ensured their continued existence and protection. In early years, families whose babies died prior to baptism often snuck into these sacred places to bury their dead, as the Catholic Church would not allow them to be buried on consecrated ground. The parents knew no one would disturb the graves of their children by entering the rath. I can only imagine how brave these families must have been to venture inside the circle with their precious babies. These graves also deter many (but not all) landowners from disturbing the sites today.
Early light in the countryside
Fairy vengeance?
The fairy raths are also said to be portals to other worlds (Celtic legend holds there are many co-existing worlds), and are particularly sensitive and more "open" each Halloween and May Eve.
But before you pack a bag and camp near the circle on your way to Candy Land, you should know these other worlds aren't places you would want to visit! Women who go to those worlds and then return are called "Banshees" (from the Irish bean sidhe, women of the fairy mound), and are wailing spirits who foretell death.
But before you pack a bag and camp near the circle on your way to Candy Land, you should know these other worlds aren't places you would want to visit! Women who go to those worlds and then return are called "Banshees" (from the Irish bean sidhe, women of the fairy mound), and are wailing spirits who foretell death.
As we followed winding country roads past hillside fairy forts, Damian Stack pointed out this ruined cottage (STOP THE CAR!!!), which had me wondering if the prior occupants had somehow angered the fairies atop the hill. I think I will keep my feet firmly planted outside the circle...
Special thanks to Ger Greaney for all the wisdom, folklore and insight on fairy forts, and for making himself available for a phone consult during our drive through the country. Just another reason while Listowelians are magical!
Special thanks to Ger Greaney for all the wisdom, folklore and insight on fairy forts, and for making himself available for a phone consult during our drive through the country. Just another reason while Listowelians are magical!
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"When Fear Falls Away" - acrylic on reclaimed wood (press or cabinet door), 22" x 15.5". Inquiries. Available at the Olive Stack Gallery.
Howling winds shaking the windows, then sleeting rain, gloves, hats and boots. A cold front camped in our lovely Listowel. It was a good day to paint.
Sadly, it was also the last full day for my sweet guest, writer Avery Caswell (aka Leslie). She made full use of the time, visiting the Seanchi and walking in the footsteps of the great writers from County Kerry. And then she brought me vegetable soup from Lynch's Bakery, which went nicely with Penguins and Jaffa Cakes. The Stackmobile kidnapped Leslie for another whirlwind tour (this one local) to be sure she saw every last thing possible before heading home.
I've been reading When Fear Falls Away by Jan Frazier. It was recommended by artist Dotty Seiter, whose daily blog delights me like no other. I sit in the coffee shop each morning, watching window theater from the other side of the street, reading this book and contemplating my surreal life. And then this passage, which helped me reconcile the feeling of home I have both here and there: There is just one word that comes to me: dwell. I have always loved that word, and that name for a place one lives, a dwelling. Life as a dwelling. A welling. Well up, spill and spill, until the whole world is spilled over, swollen, swelling. Dwelling. Life as a dwelling. Brilliant. I can be at home wherever I am truly dwelling (and welling and swelling and spilling). Like a turtle with its shell, I am dwelling.
Howling winds shaking the windows, then sleeting rain, gloves, hats and boots. A cold front camped in our lovely Listowel. It was a good day to paint.
Sadly, it was also the last full day for my sweet guest, writer Avery Caswell (aka Leslie). She made full use of the time, visiting the Seanchi and walking in the footsteps of the great writers from County Kerry. And then she brought me vegetable soup from Lynch's Bakery, which went nicely with Penguins and Jaffa Cakes. The Stackmobile kidnapped Leslie for another whirlwind tour (this one local) to be sure she saw every last thing possible before heading home.
I've been reading When Fear Falls Away by Jan Frazier. It was recommended by artist Dotty Seiter, whose daily blog delights me like no other. I sit in the coffee shop each morning, watching window theater from the other side of the street, reading this book and contemplating my surreal life. And then this passage, which helped me reconcile the feeling of home I have both here and there: There is just one word that comes to me: dwell. I have always loved that word, and that name for a place one lives, a dwelling. Life as a dwelling. A welling. Well up, spill and spill, until the whole world is spilled over, swollen, swelling. Dwelling. Life as a dwelling. Brilliant. I can be at home wherever I am truly dwelling (and welling and swelling and spilling). Like a turtle with its shell, I am dwelling.
A random ice event sent passers by ducking for cover today. Tiny snowballs hurling from the sky. Someone up there has a strange sense of humor.
Leslie and Damian head off on the last tour...
Tiny snowballs in the window planters
The day ended with empty plates, full bellies (thanks, Damian and Joan!!!) the ceremonial carving of a name in a table and a trip in the darkness to the cliffs of Ballybunion and up to the top of the mountain...the twinkling lights of Listowel far below.
And so we bid adieu to the lovely Leslie, with just enough time to get the Princess Suite ready for two new guests on Saturday. I hope they will be willing to bring me soup.
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"Molly and Gabriel Have a Lovely Day" - mixed media on reclaimed wood (a press or cabinet door). Inquiries. Available at the Olive Stack Gallery.
Oh my. We are back in the studio for another lovely day. These two cuties are delightful to hang out with, although Gabriel has developed a taste for the potato chips Billy Keane is now serving at John B's, which are beef flavored (actual Kerry beef in the ingredients). The things we do for our feathered friends.
A quiet day for two weary travelers. Leslie is busy writing, I am making malarkey with paint. In between, we managed to get out for a little holiday shopping. It is Olive's birthday today, but through we tried to walk three paces behind her and say "your majesty" all day, she was very kind and freed us from royal servitude.
The busy bees here are working to prepare for Olive's big art opening next week. "The Giving Season" is her first show since my last visit (August 2016) and includes her fabulous new paintings from Paris. I am SO THRILLED to be here for this show opening! I will do my very best to post her new work and video of the show for you, dear reader.
Sweet Bridget visited us this evening. More GORGEOUS wood to paint on (including some teak!) and a new treat for us to stuff into our clothing - Jaffa Cakes. Delicious. I heard there are no calories in Ireland. Thank goodness.
In case you need a bliss boost today, please enjoy the soothing sounds of an Irish waterfall from our touring this week:
Oh my. We are back in the studio for another lovely day. These two cuties are delightful to hang out with, although Gabriel has developed a taste for the potato chips Billy Keane is now serving at John B's, which are beef flavored (actual Kerry beef in the ingredients). The things we do for our feathered friends.
A quiet day for two weary travelers. Leslie is busy writing, I am making malarkey with paint. In between, we managed to get out for a little holiday shopping. It is Olive's birthday today, but through we tried to walk three paces behind her and say "your majesty" all day, she was very kind and freed us from royal servitude.
The busy bees here are working to prepare for Olive's big art opening next week. "The Giving Season" is her first show since my last visit (August 2016) and includes her fabulous new paintings from Paris. I am SO THRILLED to be here for this show opening! I will do my very best to post her new work and video of the show for you, dear reader.
Sweet Bridget visited us this evening. More GORGEOUS wood to paint on (including some teak!) and a new treat for us to stuff into our clothing - Jaffa Cakes. Delicious. I heard there are no calories in Ireland. Thank goodness.
In case you need a bliss boost today, please enjoy the soothing sounds of an Irish waterfall from our touring this week:
