Spákonufell

Today 5 of us tried hiking up Spakonufell or Prophetess Mountain. Its the huge peak that overlooks Skagastrond. Unfortunately I was one of the 2 that turned back. I got about halfway up the mountain but I started to feel a bit strange so I said enough was enough. I'll give it another go during the Summer Solstice which is on the 21st of June.

Legend has it that a prophetess who lived in Skagastrond walked to the top of Spakonufell everyday and combed her hair with a golden comb. She hid treasure in the mountains and put a spell on it that the only person who could find it would be an unbaptized woman who never learned any of God's words.

The landscape at the foot of the mountain is stunning too.

Fisherman's Festival

Saturday was Fisherman's Festival in Skagastrond. I think it started around 10:30 am with fishermen marching from the docks up the main street and to the church. The town was really busy and there was loads of activity in different areas. Dom, Jacob, Zack and myself went out on one of the local fishing boats as part of a free 30 minute tour. It was really nice but really windy when we got out on the water. Then there was a coffee and cake party later that evening and a water obstacle course which was started by the firing of a cannon. Later we went out to see a local band playing.

I left my camera behind that morning, so I have no images of the festival, I don't think I could have taken out on the boat anyway. I can't swim so needless to say I was holding on quiet tightly to the rails.

Arrived in Iceland

I arrived in Iceland on Thursday the 31st of May. I stayed in Reykjavik for one night and I had to get an early bus the next morning to Skagastrond. We arrived around 1pm after a 4 and a half hour bus drive with some incredible scenery. The weather is really nice too, we have had really clear skies and it hasn't been too hot but its not cold either. Theres a lot of bright light due to the clear skies, and also this is my third day in Iceland and the sun has not set, theres 24 hours of daylight.

I'll post up images soon.

As for the project I'm going to take my time with it and build it up gradually, I have 3 months so maybe leave it a few weeks before putting brush to canvas and build up on research work.

Moving out of Mountrath Studio

So yesterday was my last day in the Mountrath Studio and Flat and now I'm counting down the last few days before I fly out to Iceland. I had a great year in the studio. I had my first run at curating a group exhibition, held my first and second solo exhibitions in Leixlip and Dublin respectively, got published in an arts magazine for the first time, met and worked with some really great artists, collaborated on an installation for the Electric Picnic and gained a lot of experience in teaching workshops.

I also had a great deal of support from the Laois Arts Office and Laois County Council who I'm massively grateful to for awarding me the studio and giving me the opportunity to continue my work.

As well as the professional side of things it was really nice to be back in Laois and working so close to home, where I was living was only 10 minutes drive from my parents house.

Just over a week ago I contacted Laois Arts Office to let them know when I would be moving out. Muireann Ni Chonaill (Laois Arts Officer) offered me an extended lease on the studio and flat, which I accepted. So when I get back to Laois from Iceland I will be taking up residence in Mountrath for a further year. I'm delighted to have the studio again because I was worrying about what way I would be fixed for somewhere to work when I get back from Skagastrond. This will allow me to continue painting when I get back.

New Solo Show 'Corrosion'

My second solo exhibition, titled Corrosion, opened yesterday a 6pm at MadArt Gallery & Studios, Dublin. The show consisted of 9 oil paintings from the current body of work that I have been working on throughout the year. The opening went quiet well. There was a good attendance and I received great feedback on my work. I haven't any images to post at the minute but there were photos taken by somebody who works at the gallery so when I get them they'll be up.

The show runs until the 14th of June.

Here's a link to the gallery website.
http://www.madartstudio.com/index.php/corrosion-by-pat-byrne-2/

Artist in School Scheme 2012

I applied for the Artist in School Scheme a few months back and my application was successful. On Monday the 23rd of April I started work at Clonenagh NS, Mountrath. It was mostly painting exercises early in the week which lead towards more completed pieces.

The Schedule:

Monday: Color Wheel & Complementary Colors

Tuesday: Warm and Cool Color & Shading Execises

Wednesday: Negative Space & Free Sculpture

Thursday: Still Life Drawing/Painting and Free Drawing/Painting

Friday: Portraiture & Conclusion of Sculpture

This work was done with Junior Infants - 4th class over 20 hours. I was asked by the Principle of the School would I work with 5th and 6th class too within the 20 hours so I  went back the following week for 8 hours extra (the school was closed on the Friday) to give them as much time, almost, as the younger classes. Because they only had a 4 day week I tried to get more work done each day to make up for having the Friday off.  

Monday: Color Wheel & Complementary Colors

Tuesday: Warm and Cool Color & Shading Execises

Wednesday: Negative Space & Free Sculpture

Thursday:  Portraiture & Conclusion of Sculpture

I think it went very well there was one day when 5th and 6th class didn't want to go out for lunch, they wanted to keep working.

Since the workshops finished I've been asked by the school to paint a mural on the wall outside it.

Laois Arts Act Grant

Mid April I recieved confirmation that my application for the Laois Acts Grant was successful and I have recieved some much needed funding thanks to Laois County Council.