Book launch, Contemplation, Exhibitions, Writing News

Pamela de Brí launch of AR AN IMEALL/ON THE EDGE

Photograph of open book AR AN IMEALL/ON THE EDGE showing text about Clare Island and a painting of Clare Island on the facing page.

I was delighted to be invited to and to be in a position to attend the launch of Pamela de Brí‘s stunning publication AR AN IMEALL/ON THE EDGE at Naas Cultural Centre and Library last week. The publication explores “the story of Ireland’s offshore islands encapsulating their history, culture and their overall essence. It has been in gestation for almost six years” (de Brí’s website), and features, as can be seen above, photographs of de Brí’s paintings (over 60!) accompanied by stories, history and cultural notes about each island.

Launched by Lucina Russell (formal Arts Officer, Kildare County Council) who gave a moving personal speech about some of Pamela’s artistic journey and the important role visual art plays in recording places and connections. Food served – oysters and a myriad of food which reflected the themes of AR AN IMEALL – was provided by The Salt Project (Caomhán de Brí).

Photograph of fresh oysters with backdrop of catering company The Salt Project

Poetry and music – in English and as Gaeilge – were also a feature of the evening with de Brí’s daughter (below) setting a beautiful tone for the celebrations.

Photograph of Pamela de Brí’s daughter reading a poem standing at a lectern at Naas Cultural Centre and Library. Pamela de Brí can be seen on the left facing the lectern.

AR AN IMEALL features an introduction by historian, Diarmaid Ferriter and essays by different contributors: art critic Cristín Leach, UCC climatologist Dr. Kieran Hickey, Breanndán Ó Beaglaíoch, ceoltóir agus Máire Ní Fhinneadha, scríbhneoirs. It is a stunning production with a gorgeous linen cover.

Many congratulations to Pamela on the publication and launch of her book. Visit Naas Cultural Centre and Library to see some of Pamela’s paintings on exhibition. Purchase AR AN IMEALL on Pamela’s website.

Photograph of blue cover of the book with the title “AR AN IMEALL” printed in silver. Book is on a yellow background.

Exhibitions, On Reading, Short story collection, Writing Festival, Writing Life

Out and About: ISLA Festival Instituto Cervantes

L-R Mary Costello, Catherine Dunne, Roger Mateos Miret, Katya Adaui (Photograph (c) Shauna Gilligan)

Portraying the Human was just one of the events of ISLA at the Instituto Cervantes in Dublin. ISLA brings together literary voices of Ireland, Latin America and Spain.

Portraying the Human was moderated by Irish writer Catherine Dunne who brought together the common threads and themes of works by Irish writer Mary Costello (A Beautiful Loan), Roger Mateos Miret (El Verano de los Inocentes) and Peruvian writer Katya Adaui (Aqui hay Icebergs/Here Be Icebergs).

One of the startling messages to emerge from the discussion and readings – and how great to hear the distinct work read aloud by each writer – was the importance of the life of the mind; how vital it is to write about what obsesses us or consumes us.

Writing – and reading – helps us make sense of our place in the world, like a pinning on a map, but it also shows us that growth is possible from suffering and gives sense to our observed world. Above all, as Catherine Dunne said, concluding the session: PAY ATTENTION!

Congratulations to all involved on such a wonderful event and ISLA Festival.

Contemplation, On Reading, Writers Read, Writing Life

Additional – personal and necessary – reading

While I occasionally post about some of my reading habits, there are, naturally, many books, articles and so on that I read without mentioning them in blogposts. I’ve noticed how many of these are personal writings that feel necessary reading right now.

Here are a few I’ve read this summer that use beautiful writing to explore personal experiences with societal/political/cultural structures which, though devastating at times, reflect something universal, shine a light, and speak truth to power.

Picture of “A Death in Malta” by Paul Caruana Galizia (Photo taken in Malta)
Picture of “Blunt Trauma” by Ivy Bannister
Picture of “Bequeath” by Melora Wolff