Category: Contemplation

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.

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

Contemplation, On Reading, Writers Read

And it’s reading and re-reading time…

Seven books on wooden stairs, list of books below this photograph.
  • Paul Maddern (ed) Queering The Green (poetry)
  • Mary O’Donnel Sweep the Cobwebs Off the Sky (novel)
  • Liz McManus Tiny Bruises (short stories)
  • John O’Donnell Mr Hoo and Other Stories (short stories)
  • John MacKenna The Lock-keeper’s Wife (novella)
  • Moyra Donaldson The Thirteenth Moon (poetry)
  • Katriona O’Sullivan Hungry (memoir)

The above photograph and list show some of my current reads and re-reads. I often re-read books that stay in my mind – whether it’s for beautiful writing, the love of a character, or to remind myself of how something was structured. I also return to anthologies, in particular, because it’s rare to read one cover-to-cover on first reading. Always (not almost always, but always) I will find a new treasure of a word, a line, a complete something that will give me a new perspective or feeling about what it means to be human.