1. Electric Picnic was the main event for me this year in terms of me doing a bit of something out there, getting to do poetry with the gorgeous Poetry Divas, and getting to experience that mad festival with friends was such fun. I even tested my chops a bit on singing my version of the fields of Athenry “the wifi is really bad in Athenry.” Highlight of things seen there was the amazing Self Esteem, who I should make a point of listening to every single day.
2. Annaghmackerig is always a joy and this year was no exception. Got a few stories written there this year and again met some beautiful people and went away nourished and still chuckling about the adventures had. It was a creepy trip this time, with people a little too fixated on ghost stories, but enjoyable still.
3. Got to visit Edinburgh during the fringe and inhale another 8 shows and some serious art too in the gallery. The flights were crazy times but Edinburgh is so worth it, makes it work. Always a shot in the arm for inspiration and joy.
4. Founded and called for submissions for io. What is io, I hear you ask – check out my instagram from around Aug/ Sep for details, but it’s basically an exceptional, entirely physical piece of work, with really exciting contributions from a plethora of amazing artists. This has been the big project of the year, and I have been shocked and delighted with the response and the absolute treasure trove of things people have generously sent to me.
5. Won a poetry competition on Bobby Fingers instagram to get myself a copy of his wonderful book “The power of the strength of the heart.” This is my biggest literary win since the Irish Times sent me a copy of the snow princess fro a story I wrote circa 1989.
6. Made amazing new connections through io, using it as an excuse to contact people I admire, some of whom have been absolutely so lovely. Had fascinating conversations too from io, getting to meet an artist who works entirely offline anyway and hearing about his really unique approaches and inspirations, and also getting interesting feedback from the contributors about how they found the experience, from botched trips to the post-office to accidentally recording something in their phone, and also for some unlocking a memory of how the work used to work.
7. Studying and starting a response to Walter Benjamin. Again via io, I heard about his 1935 essay on the role of art in the age of mechanical reproduction, and have begun a response to it from today’s point of view, I hope to have it ready for 2035, but clock’s ticking.
8. The funny songs, with my magical friend Steve Goodie, I’ve had the opportunity again to contribute to funny songs he has created and put out in the world. I love every minute of this work, always surprising, often subversive, but such a point of joy. I also got to visit his studio this year in Nashville, such a warm, soundless space, so different to the draughty shed that I contribute from, an absolute treat to experience.
9. Work – I got to bring some creativity into my day job, doing a funny song for our entry into battle of the bands, and also helping to build a narrative for one of our townhalls which is basically a big presentation to everyone in the factory – this one was themed around quality and I basically got to run wild a little bit and made something a little bit special along with some other creative folk around the place. Work also sent me to Florida in December, which was an absolute JOY, with wonderful, warm and positive people, leaving me energised and delighted.
10. Quantum Sofa, Swerve and other friendly spaces – Got to connect, through art, with lots of great people all year long – so grateful for the friends I have, their wonderful mad minds, curiosity and steadfast support. I love each one of you and look forward to more of the same.
