It's in the details

A brief photographic snippet of an autumn morning in Dublin. My morning walk inspires me for the day, and the magnificent changes of colour feel like an invigorating jolt to the senses. 

The trapped autumn leaves under the rippling water were my very first inspiration for my resin work (minus the nosey swan). I've always been fascinated by such a seemingly insignificant detail to most people, but it always struck a chord with me. I felt like there was another world encapsulated beneath and waiting to be explored. That is true inspiration to an artist; a reference from nature, not from another person or their body of work. Stop for a moment and observe them; a play of light through autumnal leaves, outstretched shadows crawling across the landscape or a leaf caught beneath a puddle of rain. Little details in life can manifest into wonderful tangible works of art captured through the eyes and creativity of a true artist.

Autumn at Kilruddery

One of my favourite past times is to venture off into the beautiful neighbouring county of Wicklow. Known as the 'Garden of Ireland', Wicklow has many delights to offer those who possess a sense of constant wanderlust. 

Kilruddery House in Bray, is one of those places that pulls you back to a forgotten time. The estate features an imposing 17th century mansion and rolling vistas, which plunge deep into the distant mountainous abyss. After a stroll around the estate, the enchanting tea rooms offer a restorative fix in the form of sweet treats and hot cups of frothy cappuccinos. The pretty little vases of flowers on each table were the icing on the cake (or should I say almond cookie). The gardens in high summer are a blissful place, but autumn too has its own sense of magic.

The last traces of summer are evident with the yarrow, roses and cosmos peaking through the fallen shrubbery. The floral specimens are peculiarly juxtaposed with tumbling amber toned leaves, scattered acorns, and mushrooms protruding from the soft manicured lawns. The overall feel is one of beautiful unbridled transition, and reaffirms my love for nature and the curious and intriguing changes it manifests. 

Flower foraging in the garden

The days are long and busy in the Lost Forest studio, so any opportunity to escape into the sunny garden for a breath of sweet summer air is essential to restore calm and ease the mind. Today, I gathered a pretty selection of blooms that were tumbling out of their pots and were prime for picking. 

I snipped tiny bouquets of Forget-me-not (Myosotis arvensis), its larger counterpart; Chinese Forget-me-not (Cynoglossum amiable), beautiful fluffy umbels of chocolate Queen Anne's Lace (Dara ammi) and purple corn cockles (Agrostemma githago).  I always find this stage of the process in my jewellery making to be the most relaxing and therapeutic. It certainly beats the sanding stage; the less said about that the better! I could happily pick and press flowers all day long.