Bestower of Tales

The Bestower of Tales is based on an image of my grandmother. She was the holder of our family stories and passed on a love and appreciation for the land.

This watercolour shows her face as the edge of a cliff from the Cliffs of Moher, known as Hag’s Head. The Hag was a revered figure in ancient beliefs, thought he word has some derogatory associations.

The old woman is seen smiling toward a girl standing in a boat. The birds are the girls voice and potential, released into the world. Beneath the boat, unseen by the girl, is the older woman’s hand in the form of seaweed - a hidden support.