Well.   [24] days until the presentation.   Until…what?   In 24 days from now we’ll be ready to present our art.   SO MATEO HOW DOES ALL OF THIS KIND OF STUFF START?   I DON’T KNOW I GUESS IT KIND OF CHANGES THINGS DEPENDING WHERE YOU ARE.   *TRAVELS TO ARMAGH* OH WOW, […]

I realized just now that the best visual textures have contrast, which creates interest. And I think the most interesting history and stories also have texture, or contrast. We noticed today (or perhaps in my case, noticed again) the contrast throughout Armagh between new and old, particularly regarding architecture. I love to see urban spaces […]

We asked the students to do some visual blogging about the textures around them as a way of exercising observation skills and to practice seeing the ordinary in a different way.  I keep a texture journal as one of my facebook albums.  I am not a visual artist but i find inspiration in my texture […]

A story idea that I want to pursue while in Armagh is about the Armagh Gaol. Originally constructed in 1780, it became an all-female jail in 1920, and closed in 1986. Many of the women were in jail for their involvement with the Irish Republican Army, which was sparked over their belief that the British […]

The city of Armagh is rich in different textures, between the old stone buildings, vivid plant life, and vast landscapes. Quite frequently the textures show stark contrasts, like rough stones against the soft petals of a flower. Here is a small collection of some of the textures I have captured so far.

I’ve been noticing a number of interesting textures as I wander around the city, and I now have the opportunity to share them somewhere. Coming from a relatively young country, I find it fascinating to see how old buildings and walls age and change over time, loosing the smoothness of the brick in exchange for […]

A potential story idea that kept crossing my path is the story of Martin Corey, an IRA-volunteer in 1973 who was arrested, then released in 1992, and arrested again in recent years. Unfortunately for many reasons, this was not to be. (I do recommend a quick google though, you won’t be disappointed). And so I find […]

We asked the students to post a visual journal focusing on texture. I like bees; their means of communication and their social structures are fascinating. Plus, they make honey. I also like the contrast of the furry bee bodies to the bell-like and heavy with pollen blooms.

One of my favorite professors, Stephen Bloom at the University of Iowa, came up with a metaphor to explain to us the difference between a story and a good story. It’s called the Vandalism example. So, lets say you want to write a story about vandalism. This, as a topic, is way too broad to […]

This is a picture of a design that was cemented into the ground at St. Patrick’s Church in the gardens.