2024 marks a turning point in my life. Not only will I celebrate 70 years in this wonderfully curious physical world but will also have a long held personal dream become manifest. I certainly don’t lead a boring life and have a difficult time not constantly 'doing' something. Friends and family consistently tell me I always have many irons in the fire. They, and I, have
always wondered at my juggling of them all while having the expectation that one day one of those irons will actually begin to burn bright.
My artistic sensibility began at a young age without any nurturing to give it focus or direction. I did, however, receive the gift of writing, the love of reading, and the understanding that knowledge is a possession worth more than my weight in gold. I then was sent out into the world with the advice to always Love, be Happy, and know that you will always have what you need.
It has been a long and winding and interesting road that continues with everyday wonderment.
As most of you know I have been exploring creative writing from a very young age. In 2012 I decided to combine my poetry with an interactive three-dimensional medium and created the installation, "Field of Poetry". This is a 'field' of 44 yellow yard signs with original poetry printed on them. I was amazed at the reactions of passers-by that actually stopped to read poetry and even take photos of my words! This public encouragement energized me to keep moving forward by publishing my poetry books and accepting an invitation in 2015 to participate in ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, MI.
Moving forward, I was introduced to the wonderfully creative fiber artist, Saumitra Chandratreya. It was his idea to combine our two distinct mediums into yet another interactive three-dimensional installation, "Secret Language of Intimacy". His large fabric panels allow the viewer to get lost in the simple yet complex language of intimacy and learn that communication is not only in words but also in visual abstract expression. I was honored and humbled by the public response and glowing critical reviews we received.
But what next? And what is this 'long held dream' that is manifesting?
I don’t need to tell most people that I come from a 100% Irish family out of County Monaghan and hold an Irish passport. My father, born in Scotstown, instilled in us the love of Ireland and its ancient culture. He may have been a humble immigrant but he was a proud Irishman and gave me the name, Kevin, after the Irish Freedom Fighter, Kevin Barry.
Ireland has a very ancient history going back 5,000+ years. In modern times Ireland is known the world over as a people who overcame 700+ years of colonialism. But Ireland is also well known as a land of poets and tellers of stories. These gifted wordsmiths have always been honored and held in high esteem.
Being a practicing wordsmith of the Irish diaspora going on 70 years I certainly don’t count myself in the ranks of W.B.Yeats, Patrick Kavanagh, or Seamus Heaney. But being honored with an installation of "Secret Language of Intimacy" by the An Táin Arts Centre in Dundalk, Ireland brings me to tears. Being born Irish of foreign birth can sometimes be considered second class to those born on the Emerald Isle. Being of the Irish diaspora I feel like Jacob returning home to great honor with the recognition as a poet in one of the great lands of poets. And that is my long held dream becoming manifest.
Thank you to all who have followed along, supported me and given your energy to keep me moving forward. If you can’t be with me in person at this personally historic event, I will know you are with me in spirit. Love You All!
Opening reception: 19th June, 2024 7pm
An Táin Arts Centre, Dundalk, Ireland.
Exhibit: Thru 27, July, Tues.-Sat. 10am-4pm
And so it is written and so it is done.
Kevin
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