Michelle Boyle
Virginia , Ireland
Michelle Boyle’s work explores people and place from everyday life expressed in her distinctive spontaneous and fluid way. ‘
MessageThe Blackwater greets you with a calming song as its waters break against rocks and flow past boulders in the river in Kells, at the back of the Business Park. It sings of its journey from Co. Cavan, from the hills of Taghart and Leiter and the lakes of Skeagh, Drumkeery, Castle and Ramor.
This is Kells Anglers territory – big signs display their rights for its members to fish these waters. But for those who come to the bank of the river like me, as a mere respite from the stresses of everyday life, this small section of the river corridor is a sanctuary for the soul. This area of intersection between water & land is vibrant and rich for wildlife and commands the senses of those who are willing to see and willing to hear.
This space provides a perfect opportunity to recharge and reconnect. Here, both my kids and I are able to greet our wild neighbours, be it birds of the river, flies immersed in dance or butterflies on the banks. It always feels like a social event, where you go to say hello to old friends or maybe even meet with new company, a new flower, bumblebee, or bird you hadn’t met at the river before.
This great river, like so many others looks after us, provides drinking water for so many, supports industry and agriculture, recreation, and our mental wellbeing. Yet, instream algae growth signals a silent suffering despite continuing to give, thanklessly.
I ask, who is looking after the river?