One of the current exhibitions in the Pier Arts Centre, Stromness, is ‘Buss o Gress/Tuft of Grass’ which will run until the 20th of September 2025.
It’s mainly a mixture of images and poetry by Orkney photographer Rebecca Marr and Scottish poet Valerie Gillies.
What follows is a selection of what appealed to me most – a purely personal selection.
‘Cocks-foot grass double’ – a lovely, reflective image.
Two pieces labelled ‘bed-socks’ – first, cotton-grass in a jar
I know Cotton Grass as Bog Cotton and have a particular liking for it, with its associations with myths and legends….
https://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/yeats/fip/fip71.htm
Then, woven ‘bed-socks’ by Joanne B Kaar
One wall displays a collection of St. Brigid’s Crosses by Frances Pelly
I’m particularly taken with the one which includes faded daffodil heads – daffodils being such a sign of Spring and new life
One of my sister’s used to make St. Brigid’s Crosses which were then placed around the house on the 1st of February, and seeing them in this exhibition stirred up many memories.
St. Brigid’s Blessing
“May Brigid bless the house wherein we dwell.
Bless every fireside, every wall and door.
Bless every heart that beats beneath its roof.
Bless every hand that toils to bring it joy.
Bless every foot that walks its portals through.
May Brigid bless the house that shelters you.”
We were a great family for the old ways.
The exhibition of Roger Ackling’s work has the theme of sunlight – and this image, entitled ‘London’ reminded me of Ogham writing
For me – another link with Ireland – I said it was a personal selection!
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