Shelly's Secret Space

2012-01-28T13:00:00.003Z

My latest piece Stronger Together 2012.
Just finished it this morning and entered it into a poster competition for Don't Panic which looks pretty cool. It's one of those voting comps, but lovely people will vote for me. It only takes a second!
Happy Weekend everyone ^.^

2012-01-19T16:49:00.001Z

So lovely lovely Doodler's Anon are having a new comp for a coloring book they are putting together. Of course, one of my absolute FAV things are coloring books. I spent most of my childhood filling them in with my pristine crayons and paints. Really love them.
Anyways, I know that this is an old drawing, but I couldn't resist. I simplified it down, changed it to black and resized it according to their specifications. I will never get tired of this drawing. It was a massive break through for me, and boosted my confidence right back to where it should be - quietly humble, but strong.
For the purpose of the comp. I titled it Roisin's Magic Hat, which is exactly what it says on the tin. Again, thanks to Ros for being cool and letting me draw her. Thankfully I have awesome friends who don't mind me drawing them.
Fingers crossed this makes the cut. I would be so honored, happy, beside myself with glee if this got chosen. I shall keep you updated!!!

New work

2012-01-17T21:18:00.000Z

Two new drawings Im working on.

2012-01-15T15:03:00.000Z

This was started last night. As you can see, it is in the earliest stages of development. I was encouraged by my dear friend Jane to try to have more then one piece on the go. I have taken a break from madam underneath because she is "finished" but doesn't to me feel finished. So I have stared a bunch of drawings and Im going to juggle them, which feels nice. The others are much rougher then this one, so when they have come on a bit, Ill post them here of course!
I am very excited about ^^^^^ this though...cant wait to see where she takes me!

2011-12-02T22:30:00.003Z

someday soon I shall finish this drawing and hang it on my wall.

it is getting there...slowly slowly...

2011-11-13T23:32:00.000Z

Every so often I get the bug. When it bites, there's very little to be done only to give in totally to the loose plannings and processes when took up much of 4 years of my life. Once I get into it, Im quite happy, and like the results...then wonder why I don't let myself get carried away like this more often.

Anyway, Eoghain, dear darling baby brother, often gives out for various different reasons. One of the things he barks about is clothing...the lack of originality. The price of clothes which are quality...and a bit original. Etc...So I said that I would make t-shirts for him.

That was a couple of months ago, and honestly, I have been thinking about them, and doing little sketches for them, but hadn't really sat down and done anything serious until yesterday.

Now, today, the Sketches made it onto fabric. Exciting times, I know. If the final result is worth showing, it will be here first. Fingers crossed !

I might get the repeat pattern professionally printed...might...maybe :)

2011-11-12T18:31:00.000Z

This is my newest work in progress, and as of yet has not settled with a name. It keeps changing. Something pops into my head and I think, "Yes, that fits"...then it doesn't anymore, and I change my mind and want to keep that title for something else. Anyhow, this is coming along quite slowly, but Im happy thus far. Might get it finished by monday...hopefully.
Also, working of print designs for a few t-shirts Im doing for my little bro. Just sketched out one, and I must say, it looks a bit wicked. I think he will be well pleased, and might even honor me by wearing it from time to time :)

Your Problems Are In Your Curls

2011-10-29T22:24:00.000+01:00

I couldn't wait another minute, I had to finish the drawing.

2011-10-27T23:29:00.000+01:00

New work in progress.
God I love my tablet. It is so freaking awesome.
And Photoshop.

As part of The Invisible Circus collection.
No working title on this just yet. Ill upload the finished piece soon.

Only The River Stared Back

2011-10-24T17:56:00.000+01:00

Yea!!
So, as you know from my last post, this has been a long time in the making. And well...I don't want to say that I am finished, yet. But for now, this is my piece that is going in for Switch.
Thanks to Jane for all her help and encouragement!
I feel good that I have finished it. Im going to let the dust settle today and send it off tomorrow. Ive put it on facebook to see if I get any comments are critiques...maybe someone will watch it. I shall wait and see.

Film is a medium that I feel rather comfortable with. Like photoshop, it has been mostly self directed, in part thats to the brilliant introduction from Austin Ivers at college (the best lecturer!). Now, he might stumble upon this and wonder if he ever taught me anything. But for the first attempt, Im pretty happy with it, and Im only starting off, of course. So it can only get better.

I am sort of half obsessed with the Sea Area weather forecasts on RTE radio 1 and have been known to stay up till all hours, and wake up especially early just to hear them. I might give it a rest now for a time, because they are beginning to lose their magic...but Im thrilled that I actually went ahead and used my collection.

I hope you enjoy this short little film, and if you have any constructive criticism, I would love to hear it !

Balance Submission for Switch

2011-10-12T16:52:00.000+01:00

This is a still image taken from the end of a film I am working on for an upcoming submission. I don't know what the final piece will be, or the title, but it is something I have been thinking about and working on for a good few months now. There is so much collected for it, and I just want to use it all, but I know, I know that sometimes it is in what we take away that makes the work. So maybe it wont turn out how I had initially planned for it....I want to be proud of whatever it grows into. And this still is making me very proud indeed.

The submission is due in the first of November, so when it's sent off, Ill upload my final product and post it here. Fingers and toes crossed everyone !

"Things That Matter"

2011-09-23T11:06:00.000+01:00

Speak Slow and Remain Calm

beermats, guache and ink

Suzie the Shark's latest outing. This piece was done specifically for the upcoming "Things That Matter" show happening in Westport's McGing's Bar on the 29th of September. Hopefully I make it in!

The Carousel Ponies

2011-09-21T23:22:00.000+01:00

Greetings friends! Now, a longer post is in the pipeline, but let this whet your appetite for more. These little fillies had their first outing last weekend in Dublin. They are the latest in my collection of ever growing Kewlery. Meet the Carousel Ponies...inspired directly from The Invisible Circus (more of that to come soon)!

I love them on the hand, and yes yes yes, I will have pictures of my stand up soon, I just need to charge my camera up, she's been working so hard lately! And before you go away shaking your head thinking, "My goodness, how could anyone get away with wearing jewelry like that"...let me assure you that you can, because I do!

News for all!

2011-09-10T22:27:00.000+01:00

As you know, I was exhibiting at the Zine Fair the weekend before last. While in Dublin I went to a carboot sale where I handed out a handful of my business cards to people who were interested in my brooch and ring (both of which I made).
Well, this just in:
One of the women I gave a card to has invited me to take a stall at the Ranelagh Fest Craft Fair this weekend coming (17 and 18) because she liked my work. How chuffed am I? The reason Im telling you?
Well, if your going to be in the Dublin area this weekend and fancy yourself a handmade brooch, crazy ring, or some other little bits and pieces I have up my sleeve, come on down! Im making new work at the moment, so just because you saw me at the zine fair does not mean you have seen it all :) No no, on the contrary, as all my pieces are one offs, and as most sold, nearly everything will be NEW NEW NEW ! I even have a few uber new owlies (ie. new shapes, sizes and patterns)
The craft fair is being held in the Ranelagh Multi-Denominational School, located on the Ranelagh Road each day from 11-5. It's free in and you can find out further information from the facebook page Creative Collective Ireland.
I'm going to be a very busy bee this week, but I can't wait for the weekend!!

mondrian is the one catching everyone's attention at the carboot sale

2011-09-08T21:27:00.000+01:00

Howdy lovelies! Look what I whipped up before I ventured up to the Electric Picnic. This skirt is what I'm wearing to my cousin's wedding tomorrow. And of course, nothing can be done without the help of friends...Jane lent me a wrap around skirt to trace a pattern off...and no, I did not design the fabric myself, I really would be amazing if I had...but...This is the first item of clothing that I have made which I can actually leave the house in, so I am dead proud of myself, and thought I would share my cute outfit with you all. Hope you like it too! :)

Electricity is in the air

2011-09-06T13:51:00.000+01:00

As always, Im am completely inspired, super buzzed and filled with a new energy after the Picnic.
The weather is changing out there, and it's that time again to get out your woolies, layers and heavy curtains!
With the wedding coming up on Friday, I'm a super busy bee trying to make an entire outfit before-hand (one of the things on my to do list for the year) and I'm nearly there.

a pretty poor picture of my wrap around skirt for the wedding...now just to make/aquire everything else :)

as requested, keelin's white rabbit wooden heart ring

Aren't friends wonderful? It's in giving that we receive, and it's always nice to make something for someone else. Part of the perks of being creative :)

Elaine's cat birthday card, happy birthday again misses ! :)

Super Extra Bonus Amazing Girls on Tour like you've never seen it before, for the WIN

2011-08-30T20:21:00.000+01:00

Right, so from the title, you can problie tell that Im still a bit hyper from the weekend. It was what it says on the tin, pretty epic in every sense of the word. The sheer enormitiy of the feat at hand alone earns most of the title, but all the inbetweens, ins and outs...well that's what makes something extra spesh

(I've also aquired several teenage phrases which Im just going to go ahead and run with)

Quick recap for my captive audiance:

Got the train up to Dublin, just to pass the time and use up some nervous energy, I had a few finishing off things to do. Nothing like leaving it to the last minute. And eventhough Im promising myself now that Ill never get myself in that situation again, I know that it'll happen....so ill just have to let myself off the hook when it does.

Feliticy picked us up from the train station and we went back to her's and chilled in her too nice house, have a lovely dinner of pea (ours from the garden) and mushroom risotto, and spinach/courgette and potato soup...along with two desserts. Roisin arrived later that evening because of work..but it was nice once everyone was under one roof. Jane and I finished off everything and had a late enough one...

The next morning, all dolled up to the 9s, porridge in us and all the rest of it, we set off for the Ranelagh arts centre, not knowing what lay ahead...this was all new ground for me to tread. We arrived about an hour early, so just had enough time for a walk to Rathmines to go for a sneaky chazz...then legged it back in time to get some tea and toast in a place which looks like its stuck back in time, in a totes good way. Elieda and Owen and their baby surprised us by joining us just in time for to go over the road and set up for the day

and what a day! I really enjoyed every second, from setting up and knowing exactly where everything was going to go, to taking to people who were genuinely interested in my work. It was wonderful seeing people 'get it'...so many walked away with a softie owl brooch including a cute-sy little blonde girl, two of my fellow exhibitors, and one of the members of Gypsey Rebel Rabble. Most of my little bear books went as well, which I was only too pleased about. It was a lovely atmosphere, nothing like any of the shows Ive exhibited in before where your basically petrified standing next to your work, god forbid someone should ask you about it. No, this was different all together. Laura and Fie surprised me with visits, which was more then welcomed, and I also walked alway with some zines and things that i liked. While I loved nearly everything there, unfortunately the funds were a bit tight this time around, and the prospect of having to cart it all back to mayo was more then daunting!

All in all I thought it was a massive success and I really enjoyed it! I will definately be at the next one with new work and a much better idea of what 'works' and what doesnt :) The Girleens arrived then, looking quite tired from their trip to ikea, and we went home and experienced more of Felicity's exceptional cooking in her cute house, with her visiting handsome cat :)

I had a bit of a meltdown in the form of giggles which didn't stop for ages, and landed me with tears streaming down my face, but it was good to rid myself of all that nervous energy which i had been surpressing all day!!! :)

Sunday we went to Dun Loighre carboot sale, getting the dart out which was fun because ive never gone on it, so it was a bit of a novelity :) I bumped into Laura and met her lovely boyfriend, and picked up a few bits and pieces for work :) It was nice hanging out with Ros and laura...there's been a bit of a lack of 'hanging' with peeps my own age this year because of distance/money/plans etc etc, so it was reviveing to say the least. There were lots of lovely people at the carboot who liked my red owl and pyramid ring, so that was a pleseant surprise!

Afterwards we were caught in a bit of a shower, but found a lovely place to get lunch called bits and pizzas. It was actually lovely, and if I ever find myself in that part of the world again, Ill be calling in there. We pottered around for a bit, then headed back to the city where Felicity picked us up and brought us for a walk to the garden of Rememberence...or memorial garden? I cant remember its exact name, but it had a lovely Rose garden, and Herons, so i was happy out :) There was a rope tied to a tree that the kids were swinging off, which was pretty entertaining. If I was lighter or hand stronger arms, I would have totally gone for it, but the prospect of falling on my backside/ breaking the tree branch or generally embarassing myself didnt exactly appeal ;)

We got the nicest fish and chips Ive had for a long time afterwards, and I supplied M&S massive chocolate chip cookies for dessert. Hyper as anything Bee and Meabh provided the entertainment for the evening which has me in stitches, they are too funny.

All ready for bed, the girls had a bit of a slumber party

We went to Ikea land the next day, and Ros went into town to go vintage shop hunting...if I had an endless supply of money, or space, IKEA would be amazing...and it is and was. I got lovely fabric, and nice things for the house, and inspiration. Bucket loads of inspiration this weekend in general actually...

Loaded down with out wears, and seeing the time, we departed and made our way back to the train station...we got there just in the nick of time, about 40 minutes early, which was lucky, any later and it would have been even more stressful.

5 women...can you imagine the luggage...

Now double that, and thats what im talking about.

All in all, the weekend was amazing, and really capped off this summer nicely. Its a great achievement to have made all that work, put so much effort into the presentation, brought it up, set it down and stood over it. I was really proud of myself (which never happens) and proud of all of us as a team. It's such a comfort to know that Jane and I work that well together, and that her kids like me. It would be a pure nightmare if they didnt, i cant even bear the thought.

So now I hear you ask, what's next?

Picnic is next, init?

2011-08-20T15:42:00.000+01:00

This week has been more then lovely. Actually, this month has been and is shaping up to be quite exciting indeed. This weekend I have my friend's lovley little baby's christening, which I've been looking forward to for ages. It's wonderful to have something to look forward to, it puts a nice shape to everything leading up to that point. I haven't see any of my college crew since Oxygen, so this weekend will be extra special.

I'll only be home a couple of days when I'll be setting off again for the big smoke next weekend for the Zine Fair! Words cannot expressing the excitement courseing through my veins about that little venture. This morning was spent laying out my wears and trying to come up with a novel way of displaying my owls. I still have a few more things to get ready for it, a spread sheet for taking orders, and a few other tweaking bits, but mostly I'm feeling quietly confident...just wait, next Friday will come and it will be panic stations!!

But like I was saying, this week has be marvelous. A spin to Connemara which put a permanent smile on my face, various sun traps to be warmed in, a new zebra ring to add to the collection of mad Kewlery and general feelings of joyness and glee!

Two hours till the off! Wearing William for the weekend, he hasn't been out for a while :)

You're Going to Crash into This Wall You've Created

2011-05-23T16:26:00.000+01:00

Guache on dyed newsprint

Being So Indie You Die Because Living is Mainstream

2011-05-21T22:41:00.001+01:00

Shark Lady

2011-05-21T00:26:00.000+01:00

2011-05-16T20:50:00.000+01:00

2011-05-16T02:57:00.001+01:00

GPOY

Speak Slow...You Never Know What's Waiting to Come Out

More teasing

2011-05-14T22:55:00.000+01:00

As yet, unnamed...

"That awkward moment when you realize your sitting on a bear and not a chair"

Im getting things ready for my first ever, proper submission. Im excited, scared, worried, nervous, hopeful and hopeless. If college has taught me anything, it's that you don't put all your eggs into one basket, and never hold your breath for anything, because being let down in the worst feeling, worse their failure. I know.

I feel like Im working towards an assessment...which isn't exactly what I was expecting. I thought if I was doing something for myself, really myself, I wouldn't be this stressed about it. I would be able to take breaks and go for walks and relax and not feel so...stressed...

All I can do is my best, and it's about the experience at the end of the day, not if I get picked or not. I know how these things work. They have an idea in their heads about what they want the show to look like, and if my stuff is just a bit different, then it doesn't matter if it's good or not, it wont get in, end of. And I just have to be ready for that.

But yes, going to give it my best shot. My very best :)

Dedication

2011-05-02T22:57:00.002+01:00

Because I want to tease you

2011-04-25T00:33:00.001+01:00

This is all work in progress, but I just couldn't keep it to myself any longer...So here are little details you can ponder over and sink your teeth into...until the pieces are finished...hopefully sometime soon :)

Squeek loves lieing on them...I don't know what she's trying to tell me :)

xxx

The Spring Owls have arrived!

2011-04-22T21:14:00.004+01:00

Yes yes, it is that time again.
The Spring Owls have finally landed and are featured in a Galway Market Stall near you, provided you live in or around the Galway area, and happen to be there on a Saturday...but NEVER MIND!! :)

This is the first batch entitled Spring Earlies and they are ready for the off!
I know I know, they only just landed, but they are ready to find they're new homes.

I have them up in my 'shop', but don't expect them to stick around too long...they do have wings...they are owls after all ! :)

ShelkyBean's photostream on Flickr.

Come check out my new shop on flickr :)

April, 14 days later

2011-04-14T17:36:00.000+01:00

Because I ran out of space on my Picasso web photo holding whatever it is, its taken me awhile to get this up here. But here it is, in all its glory :) Feel free to vote for me if you already haven't :)

the magic feather has landed!!

2011-04-14T00:29:00.000+01:00

What you have all been waiting for has finally arrived. Jane O Sullivan, my dear friend and fellow artist/magic maker, is having her first (of many, hopefully) solo show, uber soon. If anyone is interested in her work...and golly, how couldn't you be, you can find it here. And, if you want to come to her show, its on for a month, and will definitely be worth the treck from where ever you are ! :)

Back to work!!

2011-04-11T01:49:00.000+01:00

This is a picture of the first, of a new body of work. I didn't want to ruin the 'grand revel' so Squeek did me the favor of sprawling out of top of it. What is it with cats? They can be given then coziest little nook at the bottom of your bed, complete with hand crocheted violet and white blanket, and a sliver of early afternoon sun, and they will still insist on either curling up in your lap, when you are in no position to accommodate them, or they go and lie on a still wet work in process.

Cardboard + tissue paper, no matter how you dress it up, is not nearly as comfy as blanket + sun.

And then it makes me think...is it because she really likes the drawing, that she wants to be closer to it, or is it the opposite?

Just evolve to be able to talk, you silly kitty, and tell me what you are up to !?

All joking aside, I have started 4 drawings this week. AMAZING, I know. And by started, I mean, they are all at a stage where I didn't know what to do next, so I left them and moved on to another one, instead of panicking and making a mess of drawings that I'm pretty happy with for the moment. None of them are anywhere near finished, but they are started, and that makes me feel all giddy, and giggly and girly and silly :)

The one I started today, actually turned in to two. And Im inventing these techniques...by invented, I mean, happen across totally by accident...And that is just making me excited about a lot of other ideas in my head. I also know that this drawing that I ended up doing by accident, I will never be able to part with, not that I think anyone will ever want it...but I just couldn't bare to see it go. I like it too much.

Sort of like the polar bear drawings.

Layers and textures...textures are not something that I bring in to my work at all, which is ironic, coming from a background in Textiles...what is it they say about going against how you were raised...I think Im rebelling or something at the moment...or forever...Im like..."No NO more fabric. Get it OUT of my sight!! Give me FABRIANO and watercolors, and markers, and INK!!! To hell with thread and cotton and EMBROIDERY HOOPS...hellO tissue paper!!"

But Im totally loving it. There is something very normal feeling, about sitting for hours and hours mulling over a drawing, going back to my ideas book, finding what I need and adding it in. Or leaning over so much into the drawing Im working on, that I feel a part of it, as I fill in these tiny little squares I've drawn with a tiny paintbrush, only to paint over the whole thing, a moment later...

It sounds insane, but it's making me feel so grounded and sane at the moment, that I feel ecstatic...I wake up, have something small for breakfast, maybe a cup of tea. Get dressed properly, I cannot work in casual clothes...I don't really own any casual clothes anyway...so...and then go straight into it. Get everything set up and start working.

Its wonderful.

I love it :)

2011-04-07T18:56:00.000+01:00

Im working on a painting at the moment, and I SO excited about it its not even funny.
Granted, when I started it, I didn't really know what I was doing, I was throwing things, not really certain if any of it made any sense, of it would all sit well together. But today, well...its just sitting pretty.
And Im starting to understand what Im doing, and why. Im starting to make connections within the very odd and disjointed personal mythology that I have assembled over the last few years, and they are all coming to the surface and making themselves readily available to me.
And it is exciting.
I know what this body of work will be called, and the reason for it being named that.
I know, already, what things will link the pieces together, to ensure it all makes sense.
I know what each piece will look like, what they will all say, how they will all feel, how big they will be, and how they will engage with they're audience.
I know it all.
And it is filling me with such a feeling of energy and anticipation, that I would happily go without sleep for the next 6 months in order to get them all done.
This first one...I wish I could put it up...but if art college taught me anything, its that, people will steal your idea's and make them their own...so I wont put anything up here, until Im totally ready with it...give me some time to get a few of them done.

But just know that, so far, so good...and Im excited about the next few babies to come.

Bring it

Mother's day cards

2011-04-01T20:14:00.000+01:00

Dad wanted me to go to town to get Nana a mother's day card from him...

But why, I ask you, when I can just whip one up myself??

Nothing beats a hand made card...especially when you can turn yourself and your brother and mum into owls...now, you wouldn't get one like THAT from Hallmark ;)

Im at the compiling stage of all my projects. Research is so important. Done throughly, and you wont be wasting any time later on. Of course you can research too much, but its about getting a nice balance...knowing when you have just enough general stuff to work from, and whittle down to a more concise collection.

Owls of course are on the cards, when are they not?! Cats are a must, along with several other animals that I have been becoming interested in recently.

Words, phrases, lyrics and specific sentences which hold relevance and meaning for me, are being jotted down and mulled over.

Shapes...round shapes. Don't ask why, Ive not figured that one out yet.

And quite a lot of darkness...although that is just in my minds eye, and Im hoping that when I get down to it, it wont be as dark as Im imagining, as that would be very unlike me.

As for the zine's, now that summer addition is not happening, I have more time to get what I really want out of them, out of them...and that is very exciting. If I had allowed myself to go at them in a rush, I would be fearful that the result would be some unpolished, angst ridden compilation, a regurgitation of the last several months, and as cleansing as that would be, I don't think it would be doing me any favors in the long run. So, now with more time to spend on them, Ill be able to make sure that they are something that I will be able to stand over, and not just another forum for me to vent through.

I started embroidering on those pillowcases there the other night...it is going to be a very very slow process, and the end result will be so expensive, that I will probably have to get the damn things ensured...probably should have factored that in when I was think of doing them in the first place...oh well...Itl be worth it... o.O

A very good weekend wished to all of you, and a happy start to the month of April...boy is she greeting us with some weather!!

2011-04-01T19:49:00.001+01:00

This just made me laugh.

Was I really there?

2011-03-31T17:56:00.000+01:00

Tuesday evening Jane asked me if I'd like to go on a bit of a field trip with Pat the next day. Tuesday was such a tonic that I was in two minds whether or not I could really make a treck to Offaly the next morning, but on looking at the website, my mind was instantly made up. Lough Boora Parklands consist of 50 acres of cut away bogland, which up until 20 years ago, was being harvested for peat by Bord Na Mona. Now I have quite mixed feelings about bog, and peat and everything that goes along with it, but I wont go into that here...Ill try and concentrate on the art!

We went with a group of GMIT students who are doing outdoor studies, which definitely added a bit of life and entertainment to the whole experience.

The parklands were very well laid out, they had paths running between all the pieces, picnic benches, and toilette facilities, which I was very impressed with, considering that Pat nearly had heart failure when I landed to the centre yesterday morning in my converse and summer dress :)

Any way... Mostly I liked the pieces...I think one thing I have taken away from being in college is my inability to fault anything. I look at artwork and see the concept, and understand what the artist is trying to get across. I don't have that sort of gut feeling anymore that would have instantly said "oh, I don't like that at all because..." Instead there is something saying "oh, right...I see" in it's place. Ill give an expamle when I get to the pyramid, and you'l see what Im trying to say.

Bog Wood Road 2005 by Johan Sietzema

Raised Line 2002 by Maurice MacDonagh

A Tree in a Sculpture 2002 by Naomi Seki

Sky-Train 2002 by Mike Bulfin

60 Degrees 2002 by Kevin O'Dwyer

Cycles 2006 by Caroline Madden

Boora Convergence 2006 by Dave Kinane

System No. 30 2009 by Julian Wild

Passage 2009 by Alan Counihan

Tippler Bridge 2009 by Kevin O'Dwyer

Boora Pyramid 2002 by Eileen MacDonagh

Yes, here we are, the pyramid. Now this had a lot of discussion around it. We all know about the pyramids in egypt. And seemingly, the metholithic graves found in Ireland date from the same time, but our grave sites are not nearly as advanced as the Egyptian pyramids. The student who was giving us the little talk on the Boora Pyramid but forward that this is not a new idea. It isn't a new shape. That its not original and blah blah blah...I know where she is coming from, really I do...but I think it is a lot more complicated then that. If we took that attitude towards art, then no new art would ever be created. Art, put simply, most of the time, is just a regurgitation of things that have happened before, put differently. This piece is taking the pyramids of Egypt, the Inca Pyrimids etc, placing the 'irish pyramid' in close proximity to a Mesolithic site for a reason. They are talking to each other, like so many of the pieces in the park. The stones were found on site, put together through modern means...it is not the same thing as the pyramids dotted around the world. No disrespect to the student who brought up the question, but this piece is a lot more then just a direct copy...its symbolic, its not just a pyramid made of stones...

And that is what I mean about not being able to not like anything anymore.

See...before college interfered with my thinking pattern, there is no way I would have had any time for this pyramid...but now, I can write a paragraph about it. And I cant decide if I actually like it or not.

Ruaille Buaille 2008 by Patrick Dougherty

But this, I like. This was a total surprise and a real treat. I wrote about Patrick Dougherty for my thesis, but I had never actually seen any of his work in person. But yesterday, low and behold what I found nestled into this clutch of trees...pure magic.

I could have spent all my time walking in and out though the woven hallways and little rooms, had it had a roof, I might have been tempted to put down roots and live there until the day it blew away...so inspiring, the shapes, the way the sun danced in and out of it...even just being able to 'walk through' a work of art...I know its TOTALLY different, but it reminds me of walking through Damien Hirst's cow...its not everyday that you get in engage so physically with art. So often we are not allowed to touch, barely breath in the direction of paintings or scuptures, incase they disintegrate before our very eyes...but actually being able to touch and lean against, and take pictures, and be a part of the work, to see it in such an amazing space, where every angle gives you a different reading of the work...yesterday was pretty special.

So today you ask? Well I was woken by a tempest raging outside my window...I felt as if I was in kansas, and any moment the house would land on the wicked witch. Ive been researching different things today...seemingly the Summer Addition is not being run this year, which has dampened my spirits a little...But I still have a ton of projects to do, so maybe it is a good thing...One less thing to distract myself with!

Hope whoever is reading this is having a nice and productive week :)

2011-03-11T01:31:00.001Z

Ive made a pact with myself that I will do something, of my own work, tomorrow :)

Really looking forward to it :)

My fingers are tingling

:D

Update !

2011-03-10T00:54:00.000Z

"The Browne Family" painting is framed and in situ, which makes me happy, and I thought I would share

It was so nice to see the piece framed and hanging, in pride of place :) Im so thrilled that Monica was happy with it...that makes me very proud!

On a slightly sad note, Eoghain's entry didn't make it into the final 10...which makes no sense to me...and makes me a little bit uneasy about my work. Im not full of myself AT ALL, and anyone who knows me, will say that in my defense at least...but I really did think he had a shot... :( sad times.

These are the prize burkes that made it in to the top 10...don't ask me how. The answer to that question totally eludes me...

:)

2011-03-03T20:13:00.000Z

Designed this image for a competition that the boy is entering in to.

here

Pictures, because at the moment, words are cheap.

2011-02-25T12:53:00.000Z

2011-02-25T10:27:00.000Z

I was very surprised and pleased with this print that I did during the 2 week workshop with Pat and all.

Looks like the poisoned apple from Sleeping Beauty.

Excitement

2011-01-26T11:41:00.000Z

As a Textile artist, of sorts, I've collected quite an amount of fabric over the last 5 years especially.
At the start of last week, I pulled out everything and tried to make some sort of sense out of it.
Usually people gift me their cast offs (which is awesome, and I love it) but most of the time, I don't take the time, at the time, to sift through them, and make executive decisions about what should stay, and what should go...
What will actually get used at some point, and what is going to be taking up tons of space.
So I did that, and put all the things that, not in a fit would I ever use, into a 3 garbage bags for the charity shop...
But, in my travels, I stumbled across these which Im so pleased I found, because I totally forgot I even had them!

This is a small scrap of what might be upholstery fabric, I'm hazarding a guess, because I haven't a clue...Im not crazy about the neutral background, but all in all, I really like it, and want to do something with it that doesn't destroy it too much...I'm thinking about it...

This is a pillowcase cover...I can just imagine whoever stitched it, didn't enjoy what they were doing very much, either that, or they purposefully wanted it to look that way...It looks more like the way you mite paint it, rather then stitch it...I want to get some embroidery thread and tidy it up a bit...fill in the bowl, change some of the colors around, and then either make it into a very simple messenger bag, or leave is as it is, in its original purpose...I don't have nearly as many cushions as I would like ;)

This is, I am assuming, a table runner...for some reason I didn't take an overall picture of it...but anyway...its a longish oval-ish shape, and I do really like the detail...but Im not crazy about the colour...me and orange/yellow/red don't get on very well...so yes...I'd like to do a bit of a job on it...

And finally, another cushion cover, you can totally see the difference between this one and the first one...completely different style and feel...And because it is so perfect, Im not going to rush into this one...I think it mite be nice to sort of deconstruct it, in a way...take elements from the design and repeat them, faded, away from the flowers...growing across into the white space...

Im not sure yet...I don't want to destroy it...

2011-01-13T13:32:00.001Z

Welcome, welcome, one and all...
I had to give my poor, sad, lonely little blog a happy, cheery, and colorful new header...I think it brightens the whole thing up, don't you?
I got those little rubber band things in Penny's the last time I was in Ballina with Queen Meabh and Queen Jane ;)
Along with a pack of dinosaur shaped ones...and an assorted pack of animal ones...because I had my fingers crossed that there mite be a nice cat shape...o.O
Unfortunately not...But I do like the letters...even if I don't have an A or a C and I had to edit a V and a D in photoshop to make them for the purpose of the header...
I. Love. Photoshop...more then mere words can describe....

Thank You, Boy, for getting it for me :)

I have a TON of projects that Im mulling over...cooking up and simmering...Most of which are Top Secret...so don't hold your breath for any sneak peaks...but just to whet your appetite...one is a commission...well two are...sort of...and one is a collaboration.
OOOOOOOOooooooooooooo
Excitement :)

I'm so happy I have something to do
Make all the difference in the world, doesn't it?!

<3

2011-01-04T22:00:00.000Z

Its like an etch-a-sketch !

2011-01-03T14:08:00.000Z

Dad walks in: What'cha doing?

Me, slightly turning my head to face him: Nuthin much...did you get the hay for the donkeys?

Dad's face drops slightly and a confused look crosses it: WHAT is THAT?? Is that Eoghain's... phh...eh...thingy?

I smile and move the pen tool across the tablet to demonstrate: Yep, I've been drawing all morning, see? :)

Dad smiles, still looking confused as ever: IT'S LIKE AN ETCH A SKETCH!!!

Confused look is transferred onto my face, while he looks like he has discovered the secret of eternal life: EH....yeah...I guess you could say that...and updated version... o.O

I installed the Bamboo Tablet onto my computer last night...well early this morning if Im being entirely truthful. I had heard of them, but I never really looked in to it...but after spending a few hours with it, I can definitely see the appeal...and I think I am definitely going to spoil myself for my birthday and get one...I mean I was only MESSING this morning, but I'm still chuffed with what I could do...its not great, but its definitely a start...a very good start :)

2010-12-05T02:30:00.001Z

I had a brain wave today...

All I need is a white board maker...

Once this snow clears off, that is my first mission

:D

So excited

Christmas present

2010-11-22T11:27:00.000Z

Everytime I go away from something, I come back loving it even more...

I saw this in Austria when I was there a few weeks back, in a shop window that seemed to specialize in cats and owls...my two favorite things...

The moment I saw the shop I nearly feel off the pavement...then when I saw this little guy...I was just gob smacked...
I know mam never looks at my blog, so this is safe here...and I'd like to share...so
My project for today...while my folks are gone, is to make my own version of this for mother. She is as obsessed with owls as I am, and she has been saying she's wanted a tea cozy for ages...I've just never seen one that would 'fit' with the kitchen...or is nice enough...
I'm taking inspiration from this little guy, not making a direct copy...how cheeky would that be.
I've seen loads of owl tea cozies, but some of them are knitted...and as much as I love the idea of knitting something...I am useless at it...
I think she will love this...
And so will I :)

I'll update later on my progress :)

2010-11-21T14:56:00.000Z

I am digesting at the moment

There has been a large intake of food in the last month or two

Im just letting it settle within me

Until I know what to do with it

Good things come to those that wait...

Moon Child-I hope you change your mind...

2010-10-14T20:32:00.000+01:00

Ta Da! I think Ive fallen in love with this one, and I don't know how i will part with her, but I will never the less :)
Once again...she is coiled, I used cotton yarn, which i dyed last year...this ball in particular went into the dye bath tied up too tightly, so it dyed in different tones, from very dark blue...down to a pale, nearly white blue.
Again, her hair is marino wool, just stitched on to the actual face, and then the braid running across, is stitched in as well. Found star and heart...not sure where they came from originally...but the heart is a locket, which is fully functioning :)
And feathers...you have to have feathers:)

I painted on her lips because she looked a bit cross...and gave her eyeliner and mascara...so...

Now she looks really pretty :)

XXX

The Brave Heart

2010-10-14T00:37:00.000+01:00

I think, really and truly...only certain people get these...they are pretty mad to say the least about them...but also, not blowing my own trumpet, I think they are pretty amazing too:)
I think they challenge people. Dad came into my room last night when I was painting the lips onto 'the key to my heart' and he didn't even say anything for a while, he just stood beside me and smiled. But he smiled in a good way...in an 'i can appreciate how much time and effort went into that' kind of way. And he held it, and examined it...and said that he liked it...etc.
And you'd be surprised the type of people who 'get' things like this...they come from all walks...young, old...etc. But its also interesting watching people interact with them as well...Some people will go over and be all up for it, and then a friend, or boyfriend, or mother gives them a look and they instantly change their mind...isn't it funny how easily influenced some people are. It makes me really happy that im not.

I think she is really sweet...even if she wasn't worn as a broach...who's to say you couldn't put a little slid clip on the back and wear her as a little head piece...or frame her and place her somewhere in your home...or add her onto a bag... I think people are scared of things that are different...they cant see how you can normalize something, if the situation calls for it...or do the opposite...make it totally ironic and nuts all together...
I hope 'brave heart' finds someone lovely on saturday to go home with. She deserves that i think :)

x

Coiling is tedious...but lovely

2010-10-13T00:14:00.001+01:00

This is the first of an unknown amount of 'doll faced' broaches...

This little cutie has been given a facelift, literally. I wish i had taken a pick of what she used to look like. But, yes, this one is for me, for keeps:) I think she's really sweet, and Im naming her 'the key to my heart'...get it...get it? :) She covers my palm completely, that gives you an idea of the scale. And i have used coiling for the blue base...which is so time consuming, but worth it i think...her hair is marino wool...i drew on the black of her eye...and the heart and key came off a necklace i bought off jane years ago, which i never ever wear :( Im going to put her on my coat, me thinks:)

So tomorrow, should be lots of fun:) Im long overdue a sewing day with jane:) And i really enjoyed making this little girl, cant wait to make more tomorrow!!!!

I wouldn't like me, if I met me

2010-10-12T01:36:00.002+01:00

Hope, the end.

2010-10-11T22:20:00.000+01:00

Hope part two - the funny ones ;)

2010-10-11T22:17:00.000+01:00

Hope part one - the ones that break my heart in two

2010-10-11T22:04:00.000+01:00

these are just a selection, of ones that brought tears from my eyes. Thank you to those who took the time to write to me, i really appreciate it.

'this thing that breaks my heart in two'

2010-10-10T16:50:00.002+01:00

pen, pencil, promarker on 90g paper

teach me up close

2010-10-10T14:13:00.000+01:00

there is something about his face...i don't know if he is angry or sad...if he's shouting or crying...if he is fighting or giving up...but i love his little face...whatever it is that he is doing...

im looking at this, like it isn't even mine.
there is so much tension, i can barely stand it.

Basic Space

2010-10-10T14:04:00.000+01:00

He is just so close...so so close...but he holds still, knowing that with one finger, he could crush her.

Teach me gently how to breathe

2010-10-09T21:58:00.002+01:00

Pencil, pen, promarker on 90g paper

Girl and Bear

2010-10-09T16:47:00.001+01:00

Thank you Jane for inspiring the layout...I think its nice to see them clustered together...but they are nice on their own as well...like your own work xxx
I like my bed spread in the background...its girly and dreamy ^------^

Im feeling warm and fuzzy looking at these...its coming back, I dare say...and I think this may develop into a much more 'worked' body of drawings/painting/sculptures/films etc...oooo so excited!!!

'It will be ok' is defo my favorite of these...the bear is beautiful, I wish he would come to life and keep me company.

I tried, with 'Hide and Seek' to put them into a place...set them somewhere...but when I looked at it again, i realized that I actually didn't like it. And I can say that now...I can say 'I like things floating on the page....I like the scale being totally off...I like how naive and simple they are...I like them'
I can breathe again...I don't have to justify, or explain or stand up for them...because they are just for me and if someone else likes them...great...but right now, that isn't my concern. Im just enjoying drawing, for the first time in YEARS...because there is no pressure...and no one is looking over my shoulder, asking what Im at, or, telling me that what Im doing is rubbish...
Right now, it doesn't matter if they are rubbish.
I love them
They make me happy...

deep breath.......

I feel like Im getting my strength back
It feels good....
So so good......

Hide and Seek

2010-10-09T16:35:00.002+01:00

Pencil, Pen and Promarker on 90g paper

Numb

2010-10-09T16:31:00.003+01:00

Pencil, pen and pro marker on 90g paper

it will be ok

2010-10-08T13:46:00.000+01:00

Pencil and letraset promarkers on 90g paper

2010-10-08T11:15:00.002+01:00

Downpatrick Head, Mayo

What a beautiful part of the world...

There is such hope in the photo...

but such darkness

Like everything

We wouldnt know what light was, if there was no darkness...

And how could we ever feel happy...if we never felt sad?

Today

2010-10-08T11:10:00.002+01:00

I am going to draw something...if it kills me

Breathe

2010-10-08T01:48:00.003+01:00

sonia rollo

WOW

2010-10-07T00:57:00.000+01:00

Oh golly gosh
I dont think I have ever been so inspired or so moved, possibly in my life
*Cirque Trottola*
In Westport, as part of the Westport Arts Festival...
Me and Jane went after our stint babysitting the show that we are both in, in the Hastings garage...

Tiny tent, for starters...something you would see at electric picnic
No pictures or video, or food or drink allowed...Jane and I came to the conclusion that those things just distract you from the performance, from the experience...so much time we spend documenting everything. I dont even feel like i was at Tegan and Sara because I spent so much time behind my camera...
It was a French circus...everyone was v french...
The women ushers had little red clip on tiny top hats on...short turned up jeans...and they kept talking back and forth over the 'stage' organiseing where people should sit...
There were people from all walks of life there...young, old, artsy, middle class, upper class, lower class...hippys, goths, preps...you name it...it was so interesting to look into the crowd and see everyone's personal stories on their faces
3 performers...one, tall, bearded and frumpy looking, hunched over, the weight of the world on his shoulders. He looked deranged, like an escapee mental convict...like an alcoholic...a funtioning one at that tho...he opened the show my dragging himself into the centre...the music was in time to his movements...screeching violin bows on plates...it was so poetic and moving...oh my god the tension...i was about to pass out...
The second...a woman, who looked more like a 12 year old boy...with a fiercely frightened but energetic face...her hair was deep pink, nearly red...and stood out like a hedgehogs spikes...her boyish clothes were fitted...there was not a bit on her...she was so so toned...the muscles and veins in her arms and legs...an amazing little body...so strong...she made all these tiny expressions with her face...so subtle, but alot like things that siobhan would do :)
The last, was another man...he was slimmer in appearance then the first...lighter too...his clothes were loose...he looked very smart...with a hat on, and a jacket.
There was amazing chemistry between the first two...it was trust...tension, love, hate...awkwardness...frustration...understanding...so much was left totally unsaid...they gave you so much space for your own thoughts and ideas to come in and colour in everything...fill in between the lines...
The music was so atmospheric
Floating piano......up a ladder...bellowed little piano on the ground...the two musicians were at opposite corners...the chemistry between them alone, took my breath away...they were using the bows of violins on plates...old violins that squeeked in all the right ways...oh, jesus the music alone was worth every penny...
It was all so physical...but not in the predictable way that circuses usually are...it was so clever and understated and humble...they looked like...like it was effortless...like they were breathing...there was so much heart in it....
my favorite bit was when the thinish man came out with this very big old style sweeping brush, and he balanced a tapered ladder on the flat bit of wood, where the bristles are attached...then the woman came out with like a spotlight, which she attached to the bottom rung of the ladder...the lights were dimmed and she descretely put on a simple waist belt/harness thing...and then proceded to climb the ladder...while it was balanced on the sweeping brush. The light cast a shadow of her on the roof top...and I couldnt help but think of 'hope'...my piece in the festival...how it changes depending on the light outside...the darkness to light...And i dont know, something came over me...i was so so moved...this ladder to no where...and her climbing it, trusting that it was being counter balanced by the man holding the broom handle...so much trust and tension and darkness and light...little tears ran down my cheeks...

Thats what art is though...its something that moves you. it touches a central nerve. it taps into something deep within you. you might not even know what it means to you, or what it is really trying to say...what its intention is, but it speaks to you anyway...and you feel something...it moves you, like the ocean waves, pushing and pulling at your body as you walk into the water, a force that you cant really understand, but you cant stop either...it takes you out of yourself...so you feel things that you mite not have been able to otherwise...you think of things that you mite not have thought about...it just...art...or what i think art is...i think it has a higher purpose then to look nice on your wall at home...or in a gallery...thats all well and good...but good art, real art comes home in your mind and stays with you for days...it grows in your heart and makes a nest inside you...it doesnt care if you buy it for your wall, because it has already moved in and made a home inside you...and it wants to be with you because it knows how much you need it...and it needs you to love it and be remembered and grow itself and become something else and change and develope...

any way...that little art rant pep talk is over now ^_^
so yeh...amazing...balanced dress on broom as well and danced with that...it actually looked like it was a ghost...i nearly fell off my seat
trapeze stunts which were nerve rackingly beautiful and intense...and funny....

It was amazing...and im so happy that i had the oppourtunity to go and be inspired. i feel so full.
I feel like ive eaten a big dinner...if my stomach was in my heart.
I havent get like this is so long
Its because their work came from the heart. And it was amazeing.

Bear Heart

2010-10-05T22:01:00.000+01:00

I had a dream that a bear was holding my heart

It was a nice dream

He was a cute bear

:)

Tangled

2010-10-05T11:05:00.002+01:00

Heart Attack

2010-10-05T10:45:00.000+01:00

Hope is all this and more to come

2010-10-01T00:17:00.000+01:00

Ignore all that came before

This is the fresh start.

28 days later

2010-09-26T20:56:00.001+01:00

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?

This is at the start of third year
Let me see...
I still had hair...alot more then now...
I still had my lip pierced...which I lament the loss of every so often...
I was wearing jeans, which I hardly ever do anymore...
No make up...so my eyes look NAKID!

I think...in between this pic and how I look now, I changed alot, very drastically...but it was part of my art project...so Im not sure if I would have changed so much, if not for that.
I think Ive changed internally...mentally too...of course...everyone does...
Its part of growing up
We change
People are constantly changing
In a state of fluxus...
We are.

The second picture was taken sometime recently...last week or two
My hair is shorter...
Im wearing clothes that dont purposefully clash...which is what I used to do...
I have gotten a tattoo since the first pic, on the inside of my left forearm...
I still wear converse nearly every day...until they fall to pieces...
I think Im more 'together' in the way i look...even if my head is all over the place

^_^

Hope is all this and more

2010-09-23T23:16:00.000+01:00

'Hope is a Feather'

Hope is a bird

Hope is a ship coming in from the sea

'Hope feels like the only thing left to hold on to, when there is nothing left concrete'

'Hope is the name of the weakest branch you have the misfortune to grab hold of when your falling to your death'

Hope is noise

Hope is a song

Hope is a small four letter word

Hope is a child's face

Hope is the bright horizon after a storm

Hope is a feeling

Hope is a state of mind

Hope is a lifestyle choice

Hope is Positive

Hope is Negative

Hope is a nest, cradling you until you are strong again

Hope can heal every broken heart

Hope can mend every broken bone

Hope is a feeling, selfgenerating, and invisible…like faith…and love

Hope is all we have right now

Hope is all any of us has right now

eighteen

2010-09-14T00:21:00.001+01:00

Day 18 - Plans, dreams, goals you have...

You can ask anyone that knows me...I dont plan.
I dont plan anything...what Im going to wear...until Im literally infront of the wardrobe fishing for things in the morning...
What Im going to eat...I dont go food shopping with a list of ingredients that I will need for every day's meals...I think I did that once...and I nearly passed out from the restriction, so decided never to do it again...
I dont even like to plan what Im going to do the next day.
I dont like things to be set in stone...not that plans are literally a list of things that must be followed or else...
I just feel restricted...and like things cant change then, and if they do, itl be a huge hassel...etc...

I, so, then, have very very very loose plans.
Ones that can be changed around quite easily, without much fuss, or bother, or heartache to anyone involved...
1. I plan on having Kiaya over on Wednesday, to keep me company seeing as the boy is leaving :_(
2. I plan to go back to sligo soon...for to get my disasterous tattoos fixed up, so they look sharp...
3. I plan to plant a flower patch for next spring/summer...so I have picking flowers...something Ive always wanted.
4. I plan to visit alex at the end of october...
5. I plan to spend Halloween with Grace, Bug and Liudas...trick or treating :)
6. I plan on moving to Galway when Alex gets back form Austria...

1. I dream about doing something that will make a difference in the world...I dont know what. I think I should be given quite alot of power, over the world. I promise I will fix EVERYTHING...because I am sick to death of how it all is...
2. I dream of living in a totally passive, ecofriendly house, that has its own water, and creates its own electricity...I want to be totally self sufficient...grow my own food...make my own clothes...
3. I do dream of having children...but that much responsibility...I think Ill transfer that over to dogs and cats maybe...
4. I dream of travelling, I want to see lots of different places, one place at a time...slowly. I want to take my time, and soak them up. I dont want to go on a massive, sweeping world tour...
5. I dream of being thin...a little superficial...but at least im honest...
6. I dream of being happy...of really being happy...through and through
7. I dream of being a better person, a better friend, daughter, sister, lover...
8. I dream of being proficient in something...whether that be making herbal remedies, or reading tarot cards...or art...
...
Those are my goals...if I can manage to fulfill all my plans AND manage to get some dreams out of the way, Ill be doing. Pretty. Well

Today's coldplay snippet...

2010-09-13T23:42:00.002+01:00

a long time coming

2010-09-13T23:30:00.001+01:00

Jesus H. Christ...

Got the official shock of my life today, when I got the little bro to take pictures, of what I thought, was a relatively ok back tattoo...

NO NO NO...

Defo not ok...not ok in the slightest...

Hopefully someone will be able to do something with this abomination which has been living at the base of my spine for 4 years...but really, at this stage, a solid black rectangle would look better then this craic...

IF I EVER SEE THE TATTOO ARTIST THAT DID THIS TO ME...

:head spins 360* repeatedly for a few seconds, then explodes:

17

2010-09-13T00:14:00.000+01:00

Day 17 - Someone youd want to switch lives with for a day and why

I dont know...
I wish that this question was easy to answer...like I think about this all the time...as a form of escape or something...just off the top of my head...

:shes the one on the right...giving tegan the evils...at least ive got the look down to a tea:

I think I would happily switch lives with Sara Quin. During a time when shes writing music, not performing...or maybe performing a small gig...
She is quite intense...and I like that. I can be pretty intense, so I dont think it would be that much of a change...Id like to sit, and write...for hours and hours and hours...then meet my sister, and make fun of each other, and laugh alot...
Alternately...Id like to go somewhere ive never been...and take pictures...and sing the songs i love...and make fun of my sister and laugh alot.

I think it would be nice for a day.

Grapes=natures candy

2010-09-12T23:08:00.002+01:00

Squeek, and a fly...the battle continues...

Mr. Hedgehog...who graced us with a shy visit last night, at about 12...He was so cute...I could see him taking each concentrated breath...lovely animals...and the very first one Ive ever seen - alive

One of the last, beautiful, summer sunsets...

16

2010-09-12T22:56:00.000+01:00

Day 16 - Another Picture of yourself

I took this one day that me and alex were skyping...im in the smaller box. I think she looks like a cute raccoon...and I look like i got dipped in pink paint...but youl have that...

I like the grids on this...nice :)

i will try to fix you

2010-09-12T22:46:00.001+01:00

four teen

2010-09-11T00:56:00.000+01:00

Day 14- A picture of you and your family

After quite a bit of searching through the many folders and sub folders on my external, this is what I came up with...

Eoghain...brother, Mother in the middle, back...Me on the right in the black and Nana, mam's mammy.

Honestly, this is the only pic on my hard drive that has any family in a cluster together...kinda of sad really.

Collette is taking the pic...and dad is in America...

I must start taking pictures of my family 0_o

Lovely things that make me melt

2010-09-11T00:15:00.003+01:00

tiffany bozic

jesse hazelip

lars henkel

allesandro papetti

katarzyna gajewska

steve seeley

linn olofsdotter

Ok...Squeek's heart shaped spot...maybe a bit random...but look...still melting :)

Flowers for Magpie tattoo

2010-09-10T22:49:00.007+01:00

Mum's favorite, turn cap lily

Daffodils for daddy

Lupins for Daddy

Roses for home

i love this

2010-09-10T02:54:00.002+01:00

I was talking about this with a friend, and couldn't help myself

Bittersweet.

Magpie ideas...

2010-09-10T02:46:00.001+01:00

Pretty magpie found here

And I really like this style...but not sure if for me...

12

2010-09-10T01:22:00.000+01:00

Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one

I think it just came about through researching shit for college...happening across blogs that had interesting things...art stuff...pretty things...blah blah blah...
So I made this one specifically for a place for my art stuff, back at the end of 2nd year...obviously, its not that tailor made anymore...and is more of a mix-um-gather-um...but I dont mind that at all...

Its also a handy way to keep track on other blogs that I like:)

Its my secret space :)

eleven

2010-09-10T01:14:00.001+01:00

Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends
What did I tell you last time???

I really like unposed pictures...Thats pretty much what made up my body of research this year...so I guess it helps to like it...

This is a pic of my brother (Eoghain), Me...In the middle on the phone to Alex, in Austria...Elaine, Sipping her Starbucks...and Keelin is taking the pic.
My 4 nearest and dearest :)

This was a couple weeks ago in Dublin, For Elaine's 24th birthday...shes an oldie...but a goodie :)
X

ten

2010-09-10T01:00:00.000+01:00

Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad

Are you trying to melt my brain...I am so difficult. You see...most music I listen to for all 5...some songs that I listen to when I really happy one day...I can listen to another day when Im quite down...So...AWKWARD...I...AM

Sad: A perfect circle - 3 libras (I love love this song tho, and will listen to it on repeat when the mood strikes...even if not sad)
   Dresden Dolls - The Wind That Shakes The Barley (live cover)
   Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Maps
   PJ Harvey - White Chalk
   Miike Snow - Slyvia
   Coldplay - Yellow
   Snow Partol - Set the Fire to the Third Bar
   Art Garfunkle - Bright Eyes

Hyped: There really is only one that gets me going...even when I'm asleep
   Late of The Pier - Heartbeats (Hot Chip remix)

Bored: I dont really listen to music when Im bored...I listen to the radio I guess...

Mad: Tool, A Perfect Circle and Mindless Self Indulgence

Happy:

All other music, and even what is above...I would listen to while happy.
As a general rule, I dont listen to any specific music when for example, going through a break up, or travelling somewhere specific...because I dont like associating things with music. I used to, but not so much now. I like the music to live on its on, and for me to take different things from it depending on the day and my mood...instead of just thinking of one thing when I listen to a certain song.
I love Tegan and Sara...i think everyone knows that now...I love Dresden Dolls, New Young Pony Club, The XX, pretty much every dubstep made mix up the boy has downloaded over the last couple years, 4tet, Passion Pit, Foals, Late of the Pier, Jamie T....the list goes on endlessly...

Nine

2010-09-10T00:24:00.000+01:00

Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days.

I'm REALLY proud of myself for getting enough guts together to haul my behind down to Sligo for a visit. I don't know...I think this little rant Im about to embark on will prolie make sense to me, and other people living inside my head...Ill give it a go anyway...
I am shit scared of people...thats a pretty general thing. Im scared to a certain degree , of what they make of me...not think of me...but how they interpret me or understand me as. People are such complex things. You never know, no matter how truthful someone is, just what is going on inside that noggin of theirs...So I can be quite distant...or seemingly mean...a little caustic...but I think its a defense mechanism...to try and keep unhurt...but I think Im starting to cop that pushing people away is a much worse pain then actually losing someone. So, now that I know, Ill have to do something about myself...
And because these things are going round and round the garden of my head, I really had to psych myself up for any sort of solo human contact...Im so use to having Alex as my buffer...If I feel awkward, or socially retarded...she's there to make lite of my insanity and save the situation...or just keep the conversation ticking over...Im so bad with talking...see me now...Im fine. The words come easily, I barely have to think about it...but once theres another person...I get tongue tied...look like a fool, or like I dont know anything...so generally walls, corners and other rooms are good for me...being social without being social...I am such a mess...

So...Thats why Im so proud of myself for managing to keep myself together, until I got on the bus at least, while I was in Sligo. I have never hung out with Grace and Liudas...just the 3 of us. Alex is always around. So I have always thought of them as more her friends then mine...but after the last couple of days, I think that thats dissapating a good bit:) Which makes me feel happy, and a bit stronger inside myself.
I can travel to America on my own...but I feel like Im going to fall to pieces when faced with people...
There is something so wrong with that...

Day 8

2010-09-05T00:01:00.000+01:00

Day 8: Short term goals for this month and why.

1. Get up to Sligo and visit Grace, Liudas and Bug (because they are my friends that I have neglected since starting college, and Im attempting to make up for lost time now that I have tons of it)
2. Get my new pc up and running. (because my old laptop is a heap of shit, and Im losing my eyesight because of its tiny screen)
3. Get my new mp3 player organised. (because Im giving mum my creative zen, so she can join the times that we are living in today)
4. Get in touch with Moire to arrange work experience. (because I want to learn how to make my own clothes, so I dont have to keep wearing Pennys stuff and looking like everyone else)
5. Make something really nice for Mums birthday. (because she deserves it...and I like making people their presents, cuz your guaranteed now to get another one)
6. Book tickets to visit Alex. (the sooner I book it, the cheaper it will be)
7. Draw something, anything. (I need to get back into it...before my hands go on a permanent vacation)
8. Make a 'real' plan for my next tattoo. (I cant keep messing on photoshop...I just have to sit down and do it!)
9. Get insured on Eoghain's car...if my lisence ever comes back! (I have to stop being such a scardie cat, hippy bum, and drive so Im not to stranded all the time...)
10. Try to figure out what Im going to do with my life now that college is over. (that one doesnt need an explaination)

Riding a Dino through the Web

2010-09-04T23:48:00.000+01:00

Eoghain is gigging tonight, so he has his laptop with him...which means Im on our 9 year old dell desktop...which is slow as fuck...it is very unlikely that this post will even send at all...

Speaking of the boy...he has been my life line since I got back from college, and Alex left for Austria.
I am laughing as soon as he gets up, until he leaves. I dont know what I'll do when he goes to Leeds... ??
Im mostly laughing at myself, because he rips the piss right out of me...but there are times, when he genuinely funny, and it has nothing to do with him making fun of me.
I think if anyone actually heard us, we would definately get our own radio show...or maybe pod cast...
And when he's funny...Im funny...and that makes me happy ^.^

I have a feeling Ill prolie be setting up camp down in Sligo till the boy and the girl are back.

Ive also been talking to Lauren alot the last couple of days which I think is good...
Im so freaking bad at making friends, that most of the time I dont even bother...
Its so anti-social of me, I know.

So I think I mite be expanding my incredibly tiny circle of friends by one...
Thats all I can just about manage at the moment...

Baby steps people...

OH! The tomatoe plants that my mum experimentally grew outside in a little make shift glass house, have been relocated to our upstairs bathroom, and are starting to ripen!
I had 2 today and they were d.e.l.i.c.i.o.u.s.
There's nothin quite like growing your own veg...they taste totally different to store bought...and tomatoes should be ate sun warmed...they taste so much better...

I have a bunch of pics I really want to post, but Ill wait til tomorro,
The whole kitten caboodle will crash if I even try.

I think an early night is in order...
:)

Day 07

2010-09-04T00:09:00.000+01:00

Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you

Oh for goodness sake...
This changes daily...and yearly and monthly...I am going to answer it on an 'at this moment in time basis'

Tegan and Sara

Tegan and Sara's music is having a major impact on what I am working on at the moment. This is actually a project I have been working on since 3rd year, but I am only getting the chance to develop it now.

Im not sure there is any real deep meaning behind what Im doing...or if its just purely self indulgent...but hey, its art...some one, somewhere will get it...im sure...right?

Their music conjures up alot of workable imagery for me, which is good. And, apart from that, it makes me happy...which is an overall positive influence over me...I think we will all agree :)

So go team TEGAN & SARA...

Giving me more happiness and inspiration then a bag of skittles and a dictionary put together...

Im not sure either...

Tired now...

Zzz

Little slice of Heaven

2010-09-03T23:22:00.004+01:00

This is where I was today...Mulranny...

Take a right at newport, and its straight passed the pearly gates, opposite the big book of judgement.

I was helping Alex's mum out with setting up a church for a wedding...a really cute, small little church.

The mountains in the distance are the chain that Crough Patrick is a part of...actually, the Reek is directly opposite the church, but its the back side of it...so its more sloped, and all that makes you aware of what it is is a tiny bump on the top...the church...

I really enjoyed my day. Me and Jackie talked, and had lunch, walked down to the beach...I took some pics, obviously...then went home.

Popped into the house to say hi to andy and play fetch with junior for a few minutes.

Andy is so funny...he really makes me laugh. I miss hanging out in Alex's house with her family. The couple of weeks before she left, I felt like I lived there...now I havent seen them since we dropped her off at the airport...so it was nice to touch base...so it wouldnt be too awkward when I did see them.

I walked home from town...I *love* walking, I always have. It lets me think, or switch off...whichever needs to be done. Whenever I get stressed, mum always tells me to 'drink water and go for a walk'

Both work for me.

When I walk, alot of things come to the surface...I am bubbleing with ideas and plans...

Now its just a matter of getting them out of my head, and onto paper, and on the wall...

So much to do...so much time...

I love being able to finally say that

2010-09-03T00:19:00.000+01:00

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do then by the ones that you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”- Mark Twain

This is a bit early...but frankly, I dont care...its my blog and Ill do what I like :)

2010-09-02T23:53:00.000+01:00

Day 06- Favorite super hero and why

I have always had a major soft spot for Batman...and I am a bit of a nerd in that I do judge people, a little, on their choice between Batman and Superman.
Im not going to lie, that my opinion of you will change a little if you choose Superman.

You have been warned.

Why do I love him so?

Let me count the ways...

He's more relateable then alot of the other super heros...like the x-men...spiderman...superman. Batman is just an ordinary guy, granted with alot of money so he can fund his crusade against the vilians...but still. He is basically fighting evil, which I think is a good message to pass along.
The bad guys in Batman, are just SO MUCH COOLER then in any other super hero series...I mean...Poison Ivy, the Joker...Catwoman, not to mentionTwo Face, Penguin, ScareCrow...They are all such colourful personalities, and really, if Im being honest...They are as much a reason as any that I prefer Batman to other superheros.
The music. The theme music to all Batman related spin offs has been amazing. Whether it's retro, with POW! WHACK! CRUNCH! and then all the tin tidely jingly music in the background...or the music in the Dark Knight, which builds and builds to a point where I am all goosebumps, the music makes it real. I dont even know if there is theme music to Superman...?

5

2010-09-02T00:22:00.001+01:00

Day 05: A picture of somewhere you've been to.

This is the view from the top of one of the Burren Mountains on the way to Doolin, and is made up of a few photographs photoshopped together...my camera doesnt take wide angled shots...but I always liked this effect anyway ^_^

Me and Alex went camping there a couple of weekends ago...it was really nice.

Weird Day

2010-09-01T23:45:00.001+01:00

Yeh...it was a funny ole sort of a day with me...

Firstly, I woke up too early, after not having gone to bed til about 2 this morning...thanks in part to the banter myself and my auntie Ann-Marie were engaged in to the small hours.
Ann-Marie is over from Oz for a long visit...and when she comes to stay I love the talks and stories and memories and everything that her sister, my mother, has forgotten, or wasnt born, so doesnt remember or didnt experience the same things that Ann-Marie did, who is 10 years older..

Its really interesting to hear her talk about my grandparents, who I never was close to, because unlike the rest of the family, we grew up in America...so didnt have the same access to out relatives that our cousins did, say.

And now, the only way I know my granny, is as an old woman, in a nursing home...who only hears when she wants to hear...and gets aggitated if shes in an unfamiliar place...
So when Ann-Marie tells me funny things that my grandparents said to each other...so tells me how nana was in the red cross during the 2nd world war...I can imagine it...and it makes my granny more real to me, I guess...

Ann-Marie reminded me at dinner or a time when we were over from America for a summer holiday...and we went visiting uncle jim joe...I think...
And there was some other woman in the nursing home where he was and she was shouting and giving orders, and going round all business...
Now I imagine that that would have upset me a little when I was young...but Ann-Marie remembers turning to me and saying...
"You have to think of them as the way they were when they were younger"
And when she said that to me over dinner, it clicked inside my head...I didnt remember her saying that to me...but it felt as though it wasnt the first time that I had heard that...

And I would think that I have always, prolie every since that time, that I have tried to see people older then me as they were once.

So Ann-Marie is leaving us for a little while tomorro, but she will be back in a few weeks I think...
And dad is home...so tomorro should be a whirlwind as well.

Spent a good bit of the day chasing after cows that had gotten in to our fields...and once I got them out, I had to find how they had gotten in...
That was minus craic...
Then I tidied my room...sort of.
Monica and Lil visited for a while...
Squeeky took to coming into my room through the window ever hour or so...it was very cute....

But today, I felt exhausted. Like I could have fallen asleep standing up, if I had stood still long enough.

The weather was savage so...hibernation will have to wait til winter :)

4

2010-09-01T01:22:00.000+01:00

Day 4: A habit that you wish you didn't have:

Can I list a few?

I wish I didn't bite my nails when I got stressed
I wish I didn't procrastinate...which makes me stressed...see first bullet point
I wish I didn't crack my back and nuckles and knees...etc
Wish I could walk past a reflective object without instantly feeling bad about myself
I wish I could keep my room tidy for more then a month before it reverted back to its teenage state of bomb site/tip

3

2010-09-01T01:15:00.000+01:00

Day 3: A picture of you and your friends.

This is an image made for my project this year...and some of the people I actually wouldnt even consider my friends anymore...and there are people who should be on this that arent for various different reasons...

My friends are a funny bunch in that they dont really like getting their picture taken...

And I usually amen't in pics cuz I usually the one with the camera.

So this is the best I have for the moment.

Day 2

2010-08-30T09:55:00.001+01:00

Day 02- The meaning behind your Blogger/Tumblr name.

Shelkybean...I was thinking about this this morning...and it took me ages to remember where it even came from, nevermind what it means.
I never had a nick name growing up...in America where everything is shortened...people's names sometimes get shortened down to their first letter, like my mum's from Bernadette to B in the space of working in a school reception for a couple of days.

Mam named me Richael, because she figured it wouldnt be easy for people to shortened it...and she was right.
I had a difficult enough time getting people to say and spell it right, by the time they had mastered it, a nick name was the last thing on their minds.

But I always wanted a nick name

When I went to Kylemore, Siobhan took to calling me shelly...which then morphed into shelly belly...
Which actually stuck, amazingly enough.

And I think shelly belly then transformed into shelky bean through Alex.
She has always liked the word bean...its one of those words that she thinks sounds and then therefore is, *cute*

And shelky...well Id have to ask her where that came from.
But I think, its much the same...she thinks it sounds cute...

Shelkybean...I think its cute...
And its not just my blogger name.
She calls me Shelkybean all the time

: )

I really didn't think there would be 15...but here they are

2010-08-29T21:35:00.000+01:00

Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself

1. I firmly believe that when you mix yellow paint with home made purple, it makes the nicest greys.
2. I wear one pair of shoes every day until I've worn away the soles, except good shoes when I have to get dressed up, and even then sometimes I wear my usual shoes...I've worn these new chucks every day since I got them in June.
3. Sometimes I regret going to art college, and wish I had done something useful instead.
4. I get really obsessed with things...I go through phases. When I was about 3 or 4 I went through a phase of eating mushrooms all the time...then I couldnt eat mushrooms for years after that.
5. I always ready the last page of the book first. And most of the time I read magazines and newspapers backwards too.
6. I never ever used to wear pink until my dad went through a phase of buying me pink everything...pink converse, pink jackets, hoodys...when I was around 18/19...He would bring them back from America for me. Now I wear pink quite often, off my own bat.
7. I am at the moment stretching my ears. Ive been putting it off since I was about 12 or 13...but now that Im 23, I think its about time.
8. I have 3 tattoos...a heart/star on my ankle, two little girls on my lower back, and a tree on my left arm. I forget that I have them all the time...its so bad.
9. I used to talk to myself alot, but not so much anymore...prolie cuz theres alot more people knocking about these days.
10. I think eggs are the best thing to have for breakfast.
11. Some people think that there's a hidden mystery to me...but really, its just that Im really really quiet...and I usually make a fool of myself once I open my mouth, so I dont bother.
12. My eyes change colour from hazel to yellow...if its sunny
13. I love mountains, trees and bodies of water, more then I can put into words.
14. When I was 14, I was on Nick News.
15. I broke my hand when I was 14...and when I type, write, sew or draw for any length of time now, it still really hurts.

Got this off Lauren's tumblr

2010-08-29T21:09:00.001+01:00

here...
Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself
Day 02- The meaning behind your Tumblr name
Day 03- A picture of you and your friends
Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have
Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to
Day 06- Favorite super hero and why
Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why
Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days
Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad
Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends
Day 12- How you found out about Tumblr and why you made one
Day 13- A letter to someone who has hurt you recently
Day 14- A picture of you and your family
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16- Another picture of yourself
Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge
Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Who are you?