How To Fall In Love With Ireland and Make Art All At Once

My first art residency at Ballinglen Arts Foundation was an incredibly meaningful experience. I arrived in Ireland excited to immerse myself in my work, but I made a conscious decision not to place heavy expectations on myself. Instead of setting specific goals, I allowed my time there to remain open—to be shaped by the influences of the place itself. That openness proved to be deeply rewarding, giving me the freedom to respond intuitively to what I saw and felt.

We were given a beautiful little house in the village of Ballycastle for our stay, and the staff at Ballinglen were warm, generous, and endlessly supportive. The studios were exceptional—spacious, filled with natural light from skylights, and ideal for sustained creative focus. I was also inspired by the opportunity to view the work of other fellows in the collection, which added another layer of dialogue to the experience.

We spent time exploring the surrounding region of County Mayo, visiting ancient Neolithic sites, wandering along the wild Atlantic coastline, and discovering nearby villages and historic landmarks. Everywhere I went, I felt a profound sense of history—a deep awareness that beneath each step were countless layers of human existence. That sensation stayed with me and became one of the most powerful influences on my work, alongside the raw, untamed energy of the Atlantic.

During this time, I noticed my art beginning to shift—taking on new forms and expressing something more aligned with what I was experiencing internally. I can already feel that this residency, this gift of time, support, and place, will continue to shape my work for a long time to come.

I’m looking forward to getting back to my art that I brought home from Ireland. Fourteen pieces in all. It’ll be my focus for early Fall. But for now I’m focusing on 2 group shows coming up for May and June. The 1st will be at Artful: The Gallery and starts May 20th; 6 artists: ‘Bridging Conversations’. The 2nd will at the McMillan Arts Centre in Parksville starting June 1st; 5 artists: ‘The View From Here’.

Talk soon! Elaine