A lot has happened

After my last post on February 18th, as March rolled around, I realized I only had a month left in the Burren. That’s when I decided to make the most of being in Ballyvaughan and eased up on my studio time. I collected as much footage of my surroundings as I could with the intention of continuing my work when I got home, and focused on connecting with the place I was in.

Aside from taking more trips to the coast and other local destinations, I ended up encountering more of the live music in town that I kept hearing about but missing when I was so studio-focused. Inevitably, I felt called to the music and started being less timid around the pub piano. There’s a culture around live music in county Clare I never encountered before; live music is valued in a way that creates a whole space for musicians to do their thing on the regular and even make a living, without needing elaborate branding and marketing for streaming/social media-based income.

I felt in my element, playing for small audiences and connecting one-on-one with people who appreciate my music. I experienced the way I’ve always wanted my art to be received; as a connecting force between my journey and someone else’s. To me, the actual “work”—the paintings, songs, projects—isn’t the goal of my practice. The evolution of my “work” just serves the purpose of steering my path; my practice is the journey of moving through life in a way that reflects what’s within me, more authentically.

1. Chinese New Year “Fu” Painting - I spent Lunar New Year’s day working on this painting in the abstract style I’d begun exploring. Process video on youtube

   

2. My first solo gig! On March 22 at the Fountain Piano Bar in Ballyvaughan. I performed nearly all of my original songs on piano and mandolin along with some covers - it was such a fun time! I was super grateful to see friends I’d made during my time in Ireland come through :) I recorded and posted most of it in this playlist.

3. New abstract works - see more of them on my IG posts

   

4. My favorite works of my residency - They’re my favorites because of the connections they sparked and the memories they hold, and because people have given them homes in Ballyvaughan.

   

5. New Song! I left Ireland at the end of March to visit friends in London and ended up couch surfing, traveling a bit and meeting new friends in the UK who graciously hosted me throughout the month of April. I’d written this song back in February and finally recorded it at a friend’s apartment in London.

I think that’s everything…