This stack of rocks marks and encircles a small spring that bubbles up through the limestone pavement on Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands off the West Coast of Ireland. As Irish Archaeologist Michael Gibbons and I approached this well, the sense of mystery was magnificent. This well has no name, as far as we could find. However, there were a few rusty coins from previous pilgrims in the bottom of the spring, which was dry when we happened upon it.
In this place, it was possible to be still, opening up to the presence of God as awe-inspiring. Without the thought-provoking presence of a name or known history, this well simply offered that: “people have prayed here.” And we were still.
Bruce Aiken, world renowned landscape artist and painter of the Grand Canyon, gave generously of himself to assist me in the creation of this painting. Bruce offered himself to be practically stand by-on call throughout the painting of this work. This piece was the first major work I endeavored for an exhibition exploring Irish Holy Wells, places of Catholic pilgrimage in Ireland. As Bruce helped me to learn and grow throughout the painting process, his wisdom laid the technical foundation on which I depended for the rest of my work in this exhibition.
This stack of rocks marks and encircles a small spring that bubbles up through the limestone pavement on Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands off the West Coast of Ireland. As Irish Archaeologist Michael Gibbons and I approached this well, the sense of mystery was magnificent. This well has no name, as far as we could find. However, there were a few rusty coins from previous pilgrims in the bottom of the spring, which was dry when we happened upon it.
In this place, it was possible to be still, opening up to the presence of God as awe-inspiring. Without the thought-provoking presence of a name or known history, this well simply offered that: “people have prayed here.” And we were still.
Bruce Aiken, world renowned landscape artist and painter of the Grand Canyon, gave generously of himself to assist me in the creation of this painting. Bruce offered himself to be practically stand by-on call throughout the painting of this work. This piece was the first major work I endeavored for an exhibition exploring Irish Holy Wells, places of Catholic pilgrimage in Ireland. As Bruce helped me to learn and grow throughout the painting process, his wisdom laid the technical foundation on which I depended for the rest of my work in this exhibition.