After my last post on February 18th, as March rolled around, I realized I only had a month left in the Burren. Thatās when I decided to make the most of being in Ballyvaughan and eased up on my studio time. I collected as much footage of my surroundings as I could with the intention of continuing my work when I got home, and focused on connecting with the place I was in.
Aside from taking more trips to the coast and other local destinations, I ended up encountering more of the live music in town that I kept hearing about but missing when I was so studio-focused. Inevitably, I felt called to the music and started being less timid around the pub piano. Thereās a culture around live music in county Clare I never encountered before; live music is valued in a way that creates a whole space for musicians to do their thing on the regular and even make a living, without needing elaborate branding and marketing for streaming/social media-based income.
I felt in my element, playing for small audiences and connecting one-on-one with people who appreciate my music. I experienced the way Iāve always wanted my art to be received; as a connecting force between my journey and someone elseās. To me, the actual āworkāāthe paintings, songs, projectsāisnāt the goal of my practice. The evolution of my āworkā just serves the purpose of steering my path; my practice is the journey of moving through life in a way that reflects whatās within me, more authentically.
Everything since Februrary
Chinese New Year āFuā Painting - I spent Lunar New Yearās day working on this painting in the abstract style Iād begun exploring. Process video on youtube
My first solo gig! On March 22 at the Fountain Piano Bar in Ballyvaughan. I performed nearly all of my original songs on piano and mandolin along with some covers - it was such a fun time! I was super grateful to see friends Iād made during my time in Ireland come through :) I recorded and posted most of it in this playlist.
New abstract works - see more of them on my IG posts
My favorite works of my residency - Theyāre my favorites because of the connections they sparked and the memories they hold, and because people have given them homes in Ballyvaughan.
New Song! I left Ireland at the end of March to visit friends in London and ended up couch surfing, traveling a bit and meeting new friends in the UK who graciously hosted me throughout the month of April. Iād written this song back in February and finally recorded it at a friendās apartment in London.
I think thatās everythingā¦
Iām so happy for you! I listened to āPostludeā and Iām so excited to go through the playlistš„°ā¤ļøāš„