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   Welcome to my blog! I'll be posting thoughts about art, photos, happenings, and other things that strike me--and hopefully my readers--as interesting. And please visit my website by clicking the link to the right--thanks!

   Also please check out my second blog, The Painting Archives to see older (pre-2004) paintings for sale.


Monday, September 19, 2011
  more from ireland

I've been here at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre a week, and I'm settled in, as they say. As I write this I'm in the cheerful sitting room of my cottage, looking out at the drizzle (which comes and goes throughout each day, interspersed with periods of sun as well as more serious rain) and across at the renovated stone cattle barn that serves as studio spaces,only steps away from my door. Everything here is beautifully kept up, comfortable and well suited to a rhythm of work and relaxation. I've met some of the other residents, and have spent time each day walking and having dinner with my friend Janice Mason Steeves, who is staying in another of the self-catering cottages (they are more like apartments, really--pictured above.)

My studio is spacious, well lit, and is starting to fill up with paintings--my work has been going really well. Below is a photo of several large paintings that are in process or nearly done and some smaller ones underway. I have been inspired by the ancient stone monuments of Newgrange and Loughcrew, as well as by some medieval texts I saw at the National Museum in Dublin.



I'm so grateful to be here for three weeks, and I've been able to spend at least part of every day painting since arriving at the Centre--for me the ideal way to process all the stimulation of a new country and the culture and history I've been exposed to. And here at the Guthrie Center the creative atmosphere is very strong--everyone I've met is intent upon their work, whether painting, writing, or composing music.

I did take one day off last week to visit Newgrange with Janice and another painter here. This is believed to be the oldest surviving building in the world, built 5000 years ago, part of a complex of other structures located in the bend of the Boyne River. It was astonishing to be able to go inside this ancient structure, view the carvings and marvel at the construction, which involved huge stones weighing up to 10 tons fitted together without mortar to form the domed interior. Although the inside tour is carefully regulated (and no photos allowed) and is a bit crowded, it was nevertheless a moving experience. We had more time viewing the exterior, which has been reconstructed from materials found at the site, though it is not known how accurately done. It's beautiful though, and there are a number of carved stones around the base of the huge mound. (The entrance, below, with carved stone.)



This is only a brief, condensed version of my time here so far...my friend Jan is blogging also about our shared stay, so if you are interested in another view, check out her site. Internet is very sketchy here at Tyrone Guthrie, so I am hurrying to post this while the connection is good!
 
Comments:
Very interesting report about your stay in Ireland. I imagine it is very inspiring, and also staying in a community with other creative and committed people does help a lot and gives you a lot of energy. The picture of Newgrange is great!
 
Looks wonderful. The stimulation of a new place - new landscape and history - is such an inspiration for one's work. Can't wait to see what comes of your works in progress - the two large ones have such an haunting atmosphere which captures how I imagine Ireland to be.
 
Ireland is the best. Last Sept. we spent three weeks there and it draws me back.....What a wonderful experience that must be to do a residency. I am such a new artist that it feels as if it would be intimidating and I have some fear and trepidation about it. Is it something you have to apply for or they will take any "willing souls?"
 
Thanks for the comments...it is so wonderful to be here, and painting, and soaking it all up! Karin, you do need to apply for this residency with a project and something of an established resume. There are only a few slots for visual artists at any one time. But there are some places that may be less competitive, check out www.resartis.org for residencies worldwide.
 
It looks like a lovely trip and experience! Fortunate! Great photos.
 
Hi Rebecca - I have been following your blog for quite some time now and was delighted to see that you have come to Ireland and to create your fabulous work here. I just wanted to say hello really. I live around an hour and half from Monaghan and the same from Dublin - I might even get to Gormley's next week to see your work as I am studying art at college in Dublin. Good luck with it all and have a wonderful time.
 
thanks! and hello to Carrie. You are fortunate to live in such a beautiful country. I hope you can get to the gallery when you are in Dublin!
 
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       Rebecca Crowell