Tag: Kildare County Council

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.

Writer Interview, Writers Chat, Writers Read

Fire – Lia Mills interviews Niamh Boyce and Shauna Gilligan

Fire: Brigid and the Sacred Feminine: An interview with editors Niamh Boyce and Shauna Gilligan (PART 1 of 2)
Collaboration, Contemplation, Writers with Artists, Writing Life

Moving towards light

This time of year – Brigid’s Day, Imbolc, Candlemas – is often hectic and fast-paced for me. I enjoy the surge of activity, the return of light, and the opening up of possibilities.

Photograph of my straw Brídeog (effigy of St Brigid) dressed in a spotty wrap with a white cloak and mustard-yellow dress against a green Rosemary bush.

This year, however, stillness and inwardness came to join me. No running around the Curragh. No zipping from workshop to workshop. No blessing of crosses or warm discussions. I didn’t even make it to Kildare or to Solas Bhríde. The opening of Josephine Hardiman’s exhibition of The Book of Kildare on Thursday 30th January was the only Brigid-related event I managed to attend – it was heart-warming and if you haven’t seen the exhibition make it your business to get to Naas Library and Cultural Centre. I donated my tickets to events I could not attend and trust that whoever used them came away warmed and buoyed by the activities.

Sometimes energy needs to be still, to settle. As hard as it is, we have to go with this, what our bodies demand, and what our surrounds ask of us.

I am incredibly grateful to all the creatives who have worked with me over the years on Brigid research, storytelling, and exploration. In particular Margo McNulty and Niamh Boyce who co-authored, and co-edited the below books, and to all the contributors of Fire. Both books were published by Arlen House and supported with Kildare County Council / Brigid 1500 Grants respectively.

Here is a 1 minute, 37 seconds reading from my 2021 publication with artist Margo McNulty, Mantles (Arlen House). I read page 27. Press the “play” button the lower left-hand-side to hear the reading.

Photograph of FIRE and MANTLES books. FIRE features original art by Noël O’Callaghan, image of a woman and a snake, and MANTLES features original art by Margo McNulty, image of hills and plains.

Whatever you’re doing to celebrate Brigid/St Brigid/Brigit – and there are plenty of free community events on in Kildare and around the country – enjoy and keep her lit!