Month: June 2017

Weekly Photo Challenge: Changing from Ocean to Mountains- If These Rocks Could Talk

Photography, Uncategorized

The land that we now know as Ireland once lay below a vast sea that covered the earth. The ancient seabed filled with layers of dead sea creatures metamorphosed into

img_0999
The moon shapes in this limestone are fossils from sea animals.

limestone. Over a process of millions of years, the land was uplifted forming hills and mountains.  A series of ice ages further changed the landscape by sculpting out fjords and leaving valleys and lakes in their wake.  The Burren in Western Ireland is a perfect place to explore these ancient processes.

A granite “tourist” left by a glacier in the limestone.
A sculpture from limestone, water, & wind.
Wave action left these beautiful patterns in the rock
A perfect planter for a tongue fern carved by water.
A sculpted pool.
Making a cairn of limestone on a mountain top in The Burren in memory of my father.

Delta

Traveling to Creativity

The Creative Process, Uncategorized

I traveled to the small village of Ballycastle, Ireland in early June to take a week-longIMG_0763 printmaking workshop at the Ballinglen Arts Foundation.  The instructor, Ron Pokrasso is from Santa Fe, New Mexico.  It would have been a cheaper option to take the class in “Beyond Monotype” at his home studio but I have been to Santa Fe numerous times and was looking forward to exploring new territory.  Since I love Irish music & culture and loathe hot weather, Ireland seemed like an ideal location.

IMG_0794Travel for the sake of travel is not my thing (see my post “The Reluctant Traveler”). Wandering around looking at tourist attractions is tedious for me.  If I have no other purpose to be there other than being just an observer, I am bored.  Give me a sense of purpose and IMG_0772I am engaged.  In the past, Spanish language immersions with homestays gave me the opportunity to experience Mexico & Central America on an intimate level.

Then about eight years ago, I realized if I was going to get serious about my art without domestic distractions, I was going to travel away from IMG_2248home and immerse myself in creativity for a good week.  I was fortunate to discover Ghost Ranch Retreat Center in N. New Mexico where I have returned most summers to get a creative & spiritual boost.  Even though I plan to return there in the future, I am widening my options now to other locations.

It’s been my experience that when I travel with a purpose, not only do I learn more skills, I develop deeper social & cultural connections.  There are so many options to chose from in this regard.  During this trip, we ran into an enthusiastic group traveling with a knitting and spinning focus.  There are trips and classes that are focused on gardening, photography, history, you name it.  Next year I hope to go to an Irish music camp in North Carolina.

If you are a reluctant traveler, as I am, or an experienced traveler, consider traveling to creativity in the future.  It will definitely add new dimensions to your skill set and give your travel more depth.IMG_0888

Weekly Photo Challenge: Finding Order in the Ruins…..

Uncategorized

As I travel in Ireland I’ve been so impressed by the order & symmetry within the original design of the ruins.  Below are shots from the Moyne and Rosserk Abbeys.

Order

Departure 

Poetry, The Creative Process, Uncategorized

I don’t know how you experienced travelers do it. For me to leave on any trip is a challenge, let alone an overseas trip. Here is a glimpse of my reality. The good news is, I am finally here my printmaking workshop at the Ballinglen Art Center, Ballycastle, County Mayo, Ireland.


It all started with an idea 

manifesting

to a penciled entry on my calendar

Later changing to ink.

As the date drew closer and closer

Loose ends started appearing everywhere

Coming out of crevices

I didn’t know existed.

I tripped repeatedly over them

And as one grabbed my ankle

I fell into a vortex

Of whirling procrastination.

Round and round I went

Until I grabbed the

Dangling loose ends

Pulled myself up

Then tied them all together in a tight knot.

I finished gathering all my belongings

And left.

Breathless, I found my seat, buckled up

And sighed with relief.

The door closed

We taxied and took off.

Peering below were a few more loose ends

Shrinking in the distance

Gyrating like frustrated cobras

Trying to bite me.

But it was too late

I was off.
airplane-956724_1280