During my time at the Greywood Artist Residency in Killeagh, County Cork in southeast Ireland, nature takes center stage. Glenbower Wood, which is part of the village of Killeagh is an ancient native woodland, it is carefully preserved and managed by dedicated community volunteers. Several hiking trails weave through the area, immersing visitors in what can only be described as a fairy tale forest. The interplay between nature and architecture in the region’s historic villages and cities is striking—timeworn cathedrals, bridges, industrial buildings, and stone walls all serve as reminders of human history, while nature finds ways to flourish in cracks and crevices, intertwining seamlessly with its surroundings.

Greywood Artist Residency resides in a historic Georgian house that was constructed in 1767. It was originally built as a family home for English aristocracy. In the early 20th century, it was converted into the Royal Irish Constabulary Barracks. In 1920 the house was burned by the IRA during the war of independence. Following the fire the house was used as a sawmill. It fell into disrepair in the later part of the 20th century. It was acquired and renovated by Jessica Bonenfant and Hughie Coogan in 2016 and established the Greywood Artist Residency.

The studio I occupied was rustic, imbued with an atmosphere that suggested a tapestry of untold stories. The work I completed at Greywood was deeply inspired by the dynamic interplay between nature and architecture.