The last week has been a rollercoaster.
Undertaking the project of attempting to measure all the stone walls on the island has been a truly mentally and physically daunting task. We’ve been putting in long days of measuring walls, creating maps, logging numbers, curating our presentation, and talking to the locals.
Word of the project has spread quickly across the island, somehow before we even told anyone what we were up to, we were spotted by two ladies out for a stroll – “Are ye still at it?”, “We think it’s a great project, how long will it take?”. We’ve also been greeted as “The Wall-Measurers”.
We had the wonderful Emilija Jefremova join us on Thursday to take photos and video footage documenting our process and efforts in glorious sunshine, before the storm hit in for the weekend.
Sunday was a wild and stormy day, with waves crashing over the pier. We gathered in Áras Éanna that evening for the Offshore Islands for Free Palestine gathering, hosted by Emma O,Grady. We shared Palestinian food, poetry, and flew flags out of beeping car windows as a storm-proof march. It was a really lovely evening, and we’re both extremely grateful to Emma and Áras Éanna for organising and asking us to join.
We went into the local schools – Coláiste Ghobnait and Bunscoil Chaomháin to talk with the pupils and students about our project, show them our measuring techniques, and get them involved. It was really lovely to work with them all, and we’re really grateful to the schools for having us in.
Sadbh and I are in full prep mode for our sharing of work this Saturday, which we’re naming “Tomhais”. Many thanks to Aoife Carry for continuing to support us in this work from afar, your guidance and wisdom has been invaluable in this journey.
We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone attending to Áras Éanna this Saturday at 2pm. Feel free to get in touch with any questions, and we hope to see you there!
Foclóir
- Taibhiú – Performance
- Taibheoir – Performer
- Scaipeadh – Spread out
- Téip – Measuring tape
- Scrogaí – Dry cow pat