This is a message to thank the Board of the Cill Rialaig Project most sincerely for providing such a special and unique oportunity for artists to spend quiet focused time with their work. It was, for me, a different and far more intense experience than I had anticipated.
When I arrived, initially, I had a project figured out in my head that became irrelevant once I began to paint, as did the two half done works I brought with me to get me started.
Within 24 hours I was completely involved with my work and had come to realise the incredible oportunity for uninterrupted work that had been presented to me. I was up every day painting as soon as the light would permit and worked right through until sundown. Within three days I was whirling like a dervish and before the end of my 2 weeks I was totally painted out, having completed 12 canvases. Next time I might well spend the time contemplating my navel but would regard the time equally well spent.
Whatever the outcome I regard the Cottages as "gold dust", a fantastic asset in the artistic fabric of the country. Long may it prosper, Thank you
