Amy Funderburk Artist's Statement Aisling

Aisling (ESH ling) is the Gaelic term for a vision. My vision for a journey to Ireland was first made manifest in October 2001, then again in May 2003. My husband and I led a workshop there for artists in September 2005.

My first taste of Ireland was the single most inspirational event of my artistic career. For several years, the subject matter of my figurative artwork has been increasingly influenced by the stories, scenes, and symbolism of my Celtic heritage. Until this trip, I had to rely on research and similar local landscapes for my artistic reference. In addition to lending historical accuracy for my symbolic paintings, the stunning vistas of Ireland inspired landscape imagery in three media: oil, pastel, and black and white photography. The use of three media reflects the many sacred triplicities evident in Celtic thought.

Our travels took us to all five ancient provinces of the island in both the Republic and Northern Ireland. Twilight lasts for an hour and a half, during which time a vast sky palette can range from delicate pink, silver, and periwinkle to bolder yellow, orange, and opulent magenta in the blink of an eye. The Emerald Isle is not simply green, but boasts quite an array of colors on Her breast as varied as Her landscapes. From ochre, wheat, rich brown, and purple in the lonely bogs, to the starker silver-gray limestone of the lunar Burren, to the pink sands and azure waters of the coast of Co. Mayo, Her hues are complex, and sure to inspire any artist. Through the monochromatic medium of black and white photography, one can see beyond the beguiling element of color by painting with light. The abstract essence of the country is found within its values, shapes and varied textures.

Going to Ireland creates a sense of longing for something you didn't realize you were missing, and a void that can only be filled by returning. Slipping into the rhythm of the country is like finding your favorite old pair of comfortable shoes that you didn't know you had misplaced. If you have been there, may my work help you to return. If you have yet to go, may it take you there now, from cottages to castles, sheep to cows, burial mounds to stone circles, and gnarled groves to stately trees. Here is the sheer magic of the country that is gossamer clouds and ephemeral light on heather-clad, windswept mountain tops -- I present the ancient yet timeless, inspiring land of Eire.

~ Amy Funderburk

Visit the Aisling Oils Gallery

Visit the Aisling Photography Gallery

Visit the Aisling Pastels Gallery

Sunset at the Mooghaun Hillfort

Near Quin and Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare

Available

Seven Bulls at Athassel

Athassel Priory, near Golden,

southwest of Cashel, Co. Tipperary

Available

Slievemore Sheep

and Minaun Cliffs

Slievemore Deserted Village, Achill Island, Co. Mayo

Available

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Updated 10/26/10

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Celtic clip art courtesy of

www.webomator.com/bws/ , http://www.celtic-clipart.co.uk/ , and http://www.aon-celtic.com .

All Rights Reserved. For personal on-line review only - No Rights Granted. You may not download, reproduce, copy, redistribute or use the images for any purpose without the expressed written permission of Amy Funderburk.