This podcast was recorded in late November on The Copper Coast, here in Southern Ireland. It was a glorious day, the sun was shining and there was hardly a cloud in the sky. There was a light north easterly wind but it was warmer than usual, despite winter starting to take hold. The light this time of year is simply magical and it’s such a gift to be able to witness the changing seasons.
I set up my field recorder just inches above the stream that flows across Kilmurrin Cove on it’s final journey to the sea. It was low tide when I began the recording. However the sound of the sea becomes more evident throughout the recording as the tide returns. During the recording I went about creating a piece of sand art on the banks of the stream.
If you listen carefully you will hear me sorting my tools and raking the surface of the sand with a garden rake. I’m quite a distance from the microphone so I love how the sound travels so easily in the crisp air. I recorded a time-lapse of the sand art being made from one of my giant tripods and captured some aerial footage of it when it was completed. There’s a short film of it on The Art Hand Facebook page if you’d like to see it, just search for 'Journey to the Sea'.
For most of the time I had the whole beach to myself, immersed in the sounds of the stream and the shore, ever aware of the returning tide as I go about making my art.…
...a small aeroplane passes overhead
...a man says hello on his way for a swim
...an occasional oyster catcher and sky lark calls out
...a mother and toddler are exploring the beach in their wellies
...they visit me for a brief chat
I finish my drawing and witness the tide reclaiming the sand. It’s all part of the process…letting go. It never makes me sad...infact it’s quite an uplifting experience and there will be another blank canvas for me tomorrow. And besides, I have my memories of the occasion as well as the sounds and sights that I’ve recorded.
Just as I’m packing up my beach trolley two sea swimmers are braving the elements. Their joyful screams can be heard across the beach! I’m sure the sea is cold this time of years but as they say "Tis grand once ya get down!"
So make a cup of tea, sit back and relax, put up your feet.
I hope you enjoy the episode.
Journey to the Sea.
