Why Do I Keep Going Back to Ireland?

Most people think of pubs and Guinness and Jameson along with the 10,000 shades of green when they think of Ireland. And, I'll admit those things are pretty wonderful, for sure. The first time I went, I stayed for 2 months for an artist residency with the Olive Stack Gallery Residency. My youngest child had graduated from high school and I was officially an empty nester. I felt adrift, as if the anchor of my purpose in life had been pulled up. I didn't want my children to feel burdened by my aching heart, so I made a decision: to focus on my art fully.

I'd been working hard in the years before this happened; a gallery, exhibitions and painting a lot in my studio, so I thought focusing on my art full time wouldn't be much of a stretch. When my partner at the gallery suggested we apply for a residency in Ireland, I thought, Perfect!

We were accepted for the residency and while everyone else went for a month, I ended up going for 2. I didn't know it at the time, but it would change me profoundly. I'll never forget the wonderful people I met (some are still friends I look forward to seeing each time I return), the landscape, the weather, and that glorious studio space in the apartment over the gallery.

I grew emotionally and creatively and in those two months in ways I could never have if I'd stayed home. I remembered who I dreamed of being when I was young and brought that part of me home.

Each time I return to Ireland, I find another part of me. I grow and expand in ways I cannot explain, except to say I find more of me there. I'm not sure how that happens, but it does. Maybe I lived there in another life. Maybe my ancestors came from there centuries ago. Or, maybe Ireland just brings out the spiritual, the creative, the mythical and mystical in everyone.

I love this sculpture, Waiting on Shore, by Irish sculptor and jeweler Niall Bruton. It seems to depict perfectly how I feel when I think of Ireland when I'm in the US. There's a longing...and ache in my heart to get back.

I hope you'll join me this spring. We'll be staying at the fabulous Springfield Castle and I've got some very special things arranged. Check out our Ireland art retreat...no art experience necessary...just be sure to bring your curiosity and your heart!

I learned to paint en plein air (in the fresh air outside) the first time I went to Ireland. It is a challenge and oh, so much fun!

A studio painting, "Summer Solstice" inspired from that first visit.