“The Good Neighbours” an exhibition by Conna artist, Lorna Macdonald opens in the Blackwater Valley Makers, 12 McCurtain Street, Fermoy on Saturday, 7th September, 2-5pm with a wine reception and live music. Everyone is welcome! Lorna is a member of the Blackwater Valley Makers with her work on permanent display. She has spent the last two years working on this exciting project. Lorna studied art and photography in Glasgow, Scotland where she was born. She moved to Conna eighteen years ago and quickly felt at home and welcome in Ireland. She has exhibited her work here many times over the years to some critical success. This will be her fourth solo exhibition. “I brazenly took advantage of my fine friends and neighbours in Conna, Co Cork. Through their good nature and helpfulness, they were persuaded to act the part of characters from Irish and Scottish folklore for this largely, whimsical project. These images are the result of great collaboration, years of planning and execution, adventure and adversity. Also, it was a lot of fun.” The characters Lorna speaks of were drawn from her love of all things weird, miraculous and terrifying. The project is aimed to bring stories to life through images. She decided to feature her willing compadres in modern yet rural surroundings. “I wanted to bring an animation to well worn tales and put up really, really big pictures on the wall. Essentially it’s a series of portraits within the local landscape.” Lorna’s work is a mixed media mess of photography, painting and drawing and is designed to tease a smile or at least, raise an eyebrow. “I can’t thank everyone enough. From casting, make-up, locations, transport, props and animal handling to utter patience and dealing with health setbacks and weather complications; it’s been like shooting a movie. Best wee project in the world.” In old stories, we called the fairies and the wee folk “The Good Neighbours”. You really don’t want to make them angry. “In producing these works I hoped to convey a sense of belonging to the past, joy in the present and to leave something for the future with love and gratitude. And maybe spread a wee bit of spookiness with the cheer.” Lorna has included her workbook and some source materials as part of the exhibition so that they may provide some context to the stories and insight to the arts practice. This is a community led project funded by The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media with support from Cork County Council and Synergy Credit Union. The exhibition can be viewed throughout September and October with free admission. Blackwater Valley Makers is open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm. Read more Read less