In bogs, layers of plant, moss and soil build up, decomposing over time to become a natural preserver of objects and bodies, what man has left behind. I feel my family
and I, our culture and traditions have been recorded by the bog – a physical
reminder of my family history, memories and connections to the land and livelihood.
Curiosity and exploration have informed my process through collections of objects gathered from home and visits to the bog lands. Documenting the raw beauty
of the bog is a significant part of my work. Not only has the spiritual and emotional connection to the land become intrinsic to the process but the environment itself is reflected in my colour palette. My role is an ethnographer, recorder and analyst of a culture or society.
Connection, Trace, Presence are key to my ongoing project.
‘Ethnography: the recording and analysis of a culture or society’
and I, our culture and traditions have been recorded by the bog – a physical
reminder of my family history, memories and connections to the land and livelihood.
Curiosity and exploration have informed my process through collections of objects gathered from home and visits to the bog lands. Documenting the raw beauty
of the bog is a significant part of my work. Not only has the spiritual and emotional connection to the land become intrinsic to the process but the environment itself is reflected in my colour palette. My role is an ethnographer, recorder and analyst of a culture or society.
Connection, Trace, Presence are key to my ongoing project.
‘Ethnography: the recording and analysis of a culture or society’
Clonlisk Bog, January 2017. Photo: Donna Oakley