Loving this adventure as an artist in residence at the Olive Stack Gallery! First time to Ireland, and what an experience. I live in a big city (Los Angeles/Long Beach) and work in a dense area with lots of people, moving fast and furious. I drive in traffic and travel busy sidewalks. I am constantly moving. I knew the pace and atmosphere would be different here, but had no idea how absolutely, wonderfully different. We arrived in Listowel after traveling over 5,000 miles, and were greeted by the lovely smile of Olive Stack waiting at the bus stop. Love my traveling partner and roommate Anne Marie Price, who has been a fantastic, adventurous partner.
Our first morning was a walk along the River Feale, which has become a frequent destination in the mornings. I have a keen interest in flowers and so take snapshots of every flower I find. I’m also an avid coastal bird watcher and have been delighted so far to see a blue heron and two egrets, although they have been very camera shy. A local gent gave me a tip to sneak through the back walk, behind the hotel, to catch a good glimpse.
We’ve explored this town to its fullest, especially enjoying the food! So pure and delicious. I’ve spent quality time at Lynch’s Bakery just across the street, and enjoy chatting with the staff and other customers in the mornings. The Horseman is a perfect spot to have a Guinness. Lizzy’s Little Kitchen has become a favorite of mine because of the fresh and light salads. The place is packed every time I go, standing room only. We’ve also explored every grocery store in town, checking out different snacks, which is fun.
My goal here, artistically, was to write, paint (watercolor) and use local materials to create mosaics. I love my routine of mornings downstairs, minding the gallery and writing, then painting and mosaics in the afternoons/evenings. My work is primarily pique assiette and makes use of repurposed ceramic. I came with only one small bag of bits, and so have stopped by every thrift store in town to find a few inspirational gems for my work. Previous artists in residence have left some great tesserae including quite a bit of local stone. There is enough to get a person going, yet keep you on your toes, creatively.
Loving the view out the front window, which looks out at the bustle of a busy town. No stop lights, few stop signs, people crossing streets at will, cars politely slowing for them to pass. It has all the busyness of a city, yet the easiness of a small town. The frantic pace is missing. Also love my view from the top floor bedroom, where I’ve seen some gorgeous skyscapes. One of my favorite scenarios: an older gentleman walking with his older dog, stops by the pub and the dog sits outside, waiting, no leash. He seems to know when it’s time to leave, as he stands up, looks in the doorway, out comes the man. They stroll down the street together into the evening. I’ve had several lovely conversations with locals, who have all been so friendly and kind. Love their welcoming nature and open smiles.
In our few weeks here, we’ve covered every inch of our new local town and each time there seems to be something new to see. We have stormed the Listowel Castle tour (excellent, excellent tour guide!), inked in the Writer’s Museum, and paid our respects to the local cemetery, rich with history and well-tended by caring relatives. I walked through the Horse Fair which happens only 4 times a year, enjoying the equine spectacle along with some chicks and ducks. Thanks to Olive, we’ve toured some of the local history and seen several ruins, including the Rattoo Tower (Rapunzel, Rapunzel!). We’ve traveled ourselves to neighboring towns including Ballybunion, Adare (where we saw the Desmond Castle from afar) and Killarney. The bus system can be a bit of a mystery at first, but works just fine to get you there.
There is so much more, but I’ll save for another time. This experience is such a gift, both creatively and spiritually.
exciraanddelira 