Thread: Today is Imbolc, which celebrates the first day of Spring in Ireland. It is an ancient Celtic feast & is marked as St Bridget’s Day, it’s Christian re-incarnation. In schools children make St Bridget’s crosses to celebrate it. (pictured: Hill of Tara) #StBrigidsDay
Harry Clarke’s studio depicted her unique cross in their stained glass windows. Here’s the ‘Saint’ & her cross. Historians now believe she is an integration of an early medieval Kildare Abbess & a Celtic goddess. Because of this she holds a popular place in Irish tradition
Intriguingly, traditions re prophecy are associated with the feast in Ireland. Irish Hedgehogs may have been the inspiration of ‘Groundhog Day’. It’s said if one comes out of its burrow, on the day & doesn’t scuttle back in, then good weather is augured! (Pic: Irish Examiner)
Thread: Harry Clarke (1889-1931) was one of Ireland’s greatest artists. His medium was stained glass & he created masterpieces which integrated Celtic art with Art Nouveau. He was not only one of the great Western artists but also a personal favourite. Let’s take a look!
One of Clarke’s most moving works is his Agony in the Garden (1924) which is in the Institute of Education & Celtic Culture in Dingle. It is one of a number of stunning windows in the Institute
I have a special offer on my original ink on paper drawings until February 2nd where two original works are just €99/€85* Please check availability as some works have sold
‘Colour is the place where our brain and the universe meet.’
Paul Klee
I love vibrant colours & choose them intuitively. Our brains react to them subconsciously through emotion whether we realise it or not! Often that’s why a picture speaks to you
Until February 2nd I have a v special offer with 2 original ink on paper drawings for just €99/£85*
Thread: Thomas Couture (1815-79) was a French history painter & teacher. He was born on this day. Although mainly known to experts in art history, his work has charm. One of his greatest works is in the National Gallery of Ireland: The Realist Painter (1865)
He was born in Oise, but moved to Paris where he studied art at an industrial school before moving to the École des Beaux-Arts. He won the Prix de Rome, after 6 goes, in 1837. A Widow (1840), Horace & Lydia (1843), Jules Michelet (1843) & Reverie (1840-1)
I’ve got a dodgy immune system so was delighted to get a booster shot last week so I decided to have a celebratory offer for UK & Ireland. When you buy an original ink drawing you can choose two more free!
Thread: Today on the Winter Solstice, one of the oldest traditions on the planet is played out at Newgrange, Ireland. Newgrange is older than the Pyramids & Stonehenge & was built between 3500-3200BC. Let’s take a look at this World Heritage Site & Solar Clock
As the sun rises on the Solstice it passes through a lightbox at the entrance to the tomb & travels down the 60ft passageway to a central chamber marking the shortest day of the year.
I’ve got a dodgy immune system so was delighted to get a booster shot last week so I decided to have a celebratory offer for UK & Ireland. When you buy an original ink drawing you can choose two more free!