Last week we had snow and I took full advantage and headed to the hills to get inspiration and to walk in the white stillness. I love the snow, its a rare visitor in Ireland as we are protected from snowfall by the gulf stream. Warm air is carried up to Ireland on the gulf stream all year round and this gives us a warmer temperatures than other similar latitude countries. The Gulf Stream also ensures that the Irish coastline remains ice-free throughout winter. I live beside the hills so we are just above the snow line here and if Dublin gets any snowfall , we generally get to enjoy it !
People think that the porcelain clay i use in my practice is white and it normally does look quite white on first inspection but its amazing how cream in colour Porcelain looks against the blue white colour of real snow. I have a plan to bring some of my pieces up to the hills and photograph them against the snowy backdrop and show this contrast in colour. I believe there is more snow on the way in the next day or so, so i will have to make good my promise.
The sounds of the river flowing down from the hills running unseen echo through the shadowy trees. The white ground and sky create a wonderful vista, a treat for the senses.
I think of Robert Frost’s poem –
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
BY ROBERT FROST
Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound’s the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
Andrea Kavanagh 