Between the current debate about ultra-processed food and the national stress levels over rising food costs and climate change, there's no better way to enjoy lunchtime today than at a session with two of Ireland's most interesting protagonists in the area of natural living, biodiversity and conscious food consumption. So, join us to hear artist and author Lisa Fingleton in conversation with author and environmentalist Edel Heeran. We may hope, over the hour, to have a better understanding about the need for conscious, sustainable, positive living within the framework of the seasons that so many of us have lost touch with.
Lisa's recent work, What if We Were Brilliant, is a unique look at the journey of a small community in Kerry determined to grow food, protect nature and be creative all at the same time. It invites us all to be brilliant in the face of climate and biodiversity crises. In her new book, The Irish Year: a seasonal guide to living well the Irish way, Edel Heeran explores the landscapes, food, folklore, and traditions that shape Irish life, inspired by the cycles of nature, yet relevant to modern living. In a time of disconnection, misinformation and Warp 9 living, a conversation on how we can get back to the garden is a welcome one.
Lisa Fingleton is a visual artist, writer and organic grower. Originally from Stradbally, Co. Laois, Lisa explores how art, words and food can act as transformative catalysts for change. Her large-scale projects with Creative Ireland, The Arts Council and the Irish Museum of Modern Art explore how communities can be brilliant not brutal in the face of the climate, migration and biodiversity crises. She asks how we can transform our systems and how communities can mobilise for change through collective, creative experiences such as the Ballybunion Bean Festival and The Square Tomato Exhibition. Fingleton coordinates The Barna Way (organic farm, creativity and biodiversity hub) near Ballybunion, Co Kerry with her partner Rena Blake.
She was most recently the embedded artist with Brilliant Ballybunion, a creative climate action project. They just published a new book called What If We Were Brilliant? The book explores how a small community can protect nature, grow food and be creative all at the same time. She is also the author of The Local Food Project, a book about the importance of growing local food.
Edel Heeran works as a Heritage in Schools specialist, a scheme run by the Heritage Council. She has spoken to thousands of children, teachers and community groups, sharing her passion for Irish nature and customs in schools and libraries across the country. She lives in the heart of Ireland with her two children and husband. The Irish Year is her first book.
Helena Mulkerns is a writer and indie publisher whose short fiction has been broadly anthologised, and shortlisted for (among others), the Pushcart Prize and the Irish Book Awards. Her debut fiction title, Ferenji, was published by Doire Press. Helena has edited two anthologies, Red Lamp Black Piano and Turbulence. She has written for The Irish Times, The New York Times, Hot Press, Rolling Stone and more, as well as working as a press officer with the UN in Central America, Africa and Afghanistan. With an MA in English Literature and Publishing from NUIG, she now runs the independent publishing collective, 451 Editions, and is a book reviewer for The Irish Times.
For more information on the Leaves Festival and the Laois Arts Programme contact The Arts Office
tel.: 057 866 4033/13
email: artsoff@laoiscoco.ie
For events at Dunamaise Arts Centre and St. Peter's Church of Ireland book online or call 057 866 3355.
For events at Laois Libraries, contact the Library branch. Contact details are on each event listing.