Incantations of Earth and Sky
My artist residency in Ireland
It was a privilege and an honor to be invited to an international artist residency this summer. After being banned from travel for the past year, I was especially excited to be in Ireland at the Burren College of Art in Ballyvaughan, County of Clare.
Five weeks flew by as I immersed myself in the unusual landscape, culture and folklore of the famous Burren area. My goal was to experiment with new ways of creating sculpture, using natural materials… and to collaborate with other artists. I shared housing with three artists from the States, and two wonderful Irish hosts. We did research outings together, cooked meals together, and shared our art together.
Our installation
I collaborated with a Dutch artist who currently teaches at James Madison University. Our public installation ‘Incantations of Earth and Sky’ is set up on the campus of Burren College of Art. The installation references traditional prayer trees and bushes located at ancient holy wells all over Ireland, as well as iconic traditions found around the world in Japanese, Native American, and Tibetan cultures. One passerby mentioned that it reminded him of pre-Celtic wisdom of the earth. The red and white rags flutter in the wind, the found objects root us to the earth.
The Hazelwood structure symbolizes our connection with the ancient Druids. A collaborative international installation, it harkens to both the underworld …that which is seen and that which is hidden. Irish mythology is rooted in what is below and unseen, but is nevertheless a felt presence.
Response from the President of Burren College of Art
We were so pleased that Mary Hawkes-Greene, President of Burren College of Art, expressed her appreciation of our installation:
“The Burren is indeed a powerful and ancient place, and it’s interesting that your response ‘Incantations of Earth and Sky’ makes visible the hidden history and beliefs of the place – and invites others to immerse themselves and spend a while in the structure and add their own hopes and prayers. The ephemeral nature of the installation, at the mercy of the elements and forces of nature, mirrors the period of uncertainty in which the world now finds itself, and invites a return to former times and the wisdom of the elders. The invitational nature of the installation, and the fact that it grew from a collaboration between artists who were previously unknown to each other, also reflects the spirit of the Burren and the ethos of the Burren College of Art. I warmly congratulate you and Dymphna on this moving piece, and hope that the spirit and wisdom of the Burren will continue to inspire you.”
If you are interested in purchasing a sculpture, please contact me at: marguerite.elliot@gmail.com.
