Blog written 23rd June, 10am
Woke up late, probably something to do with the wine and the good craic last night. Strangely I feel very rested. After clearing up the evenings debris I have decided to walk the south side of the island and search for the Holy Well that is mentioned in Tim Robinson's book 'Connemara, Listen to the Wind'.
"It can be found on the south side flagstone rocks that project out to sea in a shoulder shape. Look for a small hole approx 6 inches in diameter and a couple of feet deep. The Well appears to have been truncated since the top layer of rock has sheared off into the waves, making it shallower than in the past"
The author has dedicated an entire chapter to Inishlacken and the arts project – he speaks of "painters hunkered down amongst the rocky outcrops sheltering from the wind". I like the term hunkered – it is so descriptive and very exocative of the need to get into a sheltered position to protect oneself from the elements when on the island.
The book includes very useful information about the history of the island. It was owned by two families – the Boughtons and the Macreadys – of these two, there are now only Boughtons left – no longer in Ireland but in America.
The book details many geographical features, much of them named after someone or something. Other features have names that have grown out of folklore or legend.
Today the slow-burn ideas for work are gathering pace. Memorial is a word that is recurring in my thoughts, there has to be some way to visibly mark the islanders. I am thinking about survival and what the essentials are for a community to thrive. Food, warmth/shelter, an active economy, a sense of community, the ability to pursue ones beliefs. This is the beginning of a list in my sketchbook which will no doubt grow. The thriving community of Inishlacken numbered almost 200 in its heyday. I may make some work looking at the demise of the community, either a hommage to or a mark of the past. I think the conditions for survival of a community will bring another layer to anything I make.
