This time my trip to Galway thankfully did not involve an emergency landing after the short flight and I arrived full of anticipation to see the show. I have been thinking about what work all the Inishlacken artists have made and at last was able to find out.
There were paintings, some large some smaller, oil and watercolour, ink drawings, etchings and abstract acrylic works. An installation of pebbles based on the Aran knitting pattern filled the floor of one gallery and a wonderful installation by composer Kate Moore using her score made an interesting backdrop to my own work. The show was completed by an automated paper cut out sculpture by Louise Manifold.
It was revealing to see how each artist had interpreted their island experience. Although there were consistent themes there were also unusual translations and I learnt more about the island of Inishlacken.
The visit was concluded with the excellent news from Rosie that the show is now confirmed to tour to the States.
I have just booked a flight to Galway and am off to see the show. Next Saturday I will be winging my way to Galway Arts Centre and a meeting with Rosie and Maeve Mulrennan, the gallery curator. I am keen to see the work in situ and also to see what the other island artists have produced for the show.
In the meantime I have been writing some applications for other projects and working on my proposal for a site specific commission in Eastbourne for the Towner Gallery. This is to take place on or near the beach area and will usher in the opening of the gallery in its new architect designed home. There are many different and interesting features of the town that might come into the work – at this stage I am collecting things rather as a hamster stores up its food to use later!
My regular blogging habit established last year has waned a bit in 2008. My last post refers to the work I was making for the show in Galway some seven weeks ago. It is now the end of January and the Galway show, entitled Inishlacken: a place apart, opened last night. The four memorial pieces all ended up on small screens as the longer projection became a shorter work during the editing process and the still image became a freeze frame video. I am happy about this since I think the four pieces will work more successfully as one visual work rather than disjointed elements.
My biggest regret was not being able to go to Ireland for the opening – a sacrifice due to the employed work I have at Norwich School of Art and Design. Nevertheless one consolation was that tonight I heard Rosie on the RTE radio 1 station (thanks to the wonder of live radio and broadband) and I understand the show was also featured on gaelic TV tonight.
The best news of all however is that Rosie has invited me back to Inishlacken this coming May -I can't wait!
