Monday, November 30, 2009

Success!!


I am pleased to say both my entries to the Mayo Artists Show were accepted by the judge. The launch is invitation only at the Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar, at 7.30pm this friday, by the Mayor. Can't wait to mingle with other mayo artists and view the show which is always stunning in its scope. Opens to the public from Saturday through to January 30th 2010.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Mayo Artists Show




At last we are managing to enter it. For the last six years at least we have intended entering 'The Mayo Artists Show' - held bienially for some eight weeks from December through January b The Linenhall, Castlebar; this year we are finally going to enter.
It is a big show that invites artists from all over County Mayo, working in any medium, to enter. Space is limited - the competition will be stiff.
This year, for the first time ever I believe, there is a theme - 'Flight of Fancy'. This wasn't announced until quite late so we were at panic stations wondering what to enter. Suffice it to say we are now 'sorted' and Eileen will be entering paintings, and myself photography (I do paint occasionally).
So, fingers crossed we'll be accepted. Now to sort titles and prices - then that's it! Between next thursday and Saturday we shall have to take the eighty mile round trip to drop them off and anxiously wait the judges' decision - Yay or Nay. We hope it's Yay -

Monday, November 9, 2009

Winter Landscapes





I have been busy clicking away in autumn, not anywhere near as much as I'd like, and there has been some terrific light and colour. With the sun lower in the sky and the shorter days here, almost any time of day provides good light for landscapes. It is very rewarding to get out even for an hour. The skies are often dramatic and where I live close to the Atlantic Ocean. There is always sun shining, rain falling, or else a storm brewing! - just right for varied and dramatic land and seascapes. I'm going to keep shooting through winter and posting images up - yesterday I took the photos above form Achill's 'Atlantic drive' and the other images were taken in October.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Dead Poets Live

Our Halloween 'Dead Poets Live' Open Mic night at Gielty's, Dooagh, Achill last saturday went down well. While enjoying treats dressed in pointy hats and with plenty of hubble and bubble, we ressurrected poetry's past finest. Included were poems by William Shakespeare, W B Yeats, William Wordsworth, Ted Hughes, Rumi, Sylvia Plath, Christina Rossetti, Michael Hartnett, Louis MacNeice, Sir John Betjeman and many more. The pumpkin grimaced and flickered as our faces were lit by the spirits of these respected past bards as they lived again through our readings. It was great fun and a fine evening for any lover of poetry.
The next Achill Open Mic will again be held at Gielty's, Dooagh, Achill at the end of November. All are welcome and admission is free. Gareth MacNamara, a singer/songwriter from Currane, Achill, will fill the 20 minutes 'Guest slot' at that session and promises to be a real treat. In addition, we hope people will read Christmas themed poems, their own or other poets, as there will be no Open Mic in December.
Hoping to see you there.