Irish Diaspora

The Irish Diaspora

The Irish Diaspora consists of all the people who claim Irish descent and reside outside of Ireland. I am grateful to be part of the Irish Diaspora in the United States. The Irish have made significant contributions to this country and many other countries around the world. Large numbers of Irish emigrants and their descendents now reside in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, Mexico, South Africa, Brazil and states of the Caribbean and continental Europe. Today, 80 million people around the world claim Irish heritage and 41 million of them are in the United States.

Cathartic Experience

What is Catharsis? 

Catharsis is a Greek word meaning ‘cleansing’ or ‘purging’.
 

The purging of emotions or relieving of emotional tension can be accomplished through the practice of art making for many people.  It is the act itself, not the finished work of art that is cathartic for the artist and the image here shows that process.  By drawing a portrait of my recently deceased mother, I am able to experience catharsis.  It is a powerful exercise and I encourage anyone who is experiencing pain brought about by loss or other emotional stress to attempt to release that emotion through art making, writing, composing, or any other creative endeavor.