Chris Otte

Places & Things: On Location: Ireland

In April 2007, I spent ten days photographing the Irish countryside. Rich in history, freindly people and mild weather, Ireland is a wonderful place to spend some time and just relax.

Achill Island, IrelandA cottage sits derelict, complete with an old shipping pallet to keep the sheep from grazing in the front lawn.
   
County Mayo, IrelandAncient stone walls divide this lush, green expanse of pasture overlooking Lough Corrib, in Western Ireland. The mild weather nurtures the rich fields on which the sheep graze while a gentle breeze sweeps across the landscape, carrying the comforting and familiar scent of burning peat, heating a nearby cottage.
  
     
  
County Mayo, IrelandThe great Irish potato famine resulted in millions of deaths and mass migration out of Ireland. The green, leafy portion of the plants appeared healthy but when the potatoes were dug from the ground, they were black with blight and inedible. The ridges that remain on the landscape have never been turned since and bare witness to this dark time in Ireland's history.
   
County Mayo, IrelandA tree grabs hold in eroding soil on the side of this hill on Old Head beach.
   
County Mayo, IrelandDetails of the exposed root system of the tree depicted in “Shoreline Tree”.
     
  
County Mayo, IrelandEmerald green moss flourishes on the sides of these old trees in the moist Irish weather.
   
  
     
  
Achill Island, Ireland
   
County Mayo, IrelandThe prevailing winds lend a beautiful shape to the trees on this farm located in a wide open peat bog. The peak of Croagh Patrick can be seen in the distance.
   
     
  
Rossanrubble, County Mayo, IrelandTracks lead out to the tip of a peninsula into Clew Bay. The steep cliffs of Clare Ireland can be seen off in the distance.
   
  
Achill Island, IrelandA majestic looking ewe peers out over the Atlantic on the edge of a cliff with Clew Bay in the background.
     
  
Cong, County Mayo, IrelandThe weathered stones of this hut, built over the Cong river was used by Monks as shelter for catching fish. Since the use of fishing rods was against their beliefs, the line was attached to a bell, which signaled a catch when it rang.
   
Cong, County Mayo, IrelandThick ivy flanks the side of this beautiful window complete with Irish lace.
   
     
  
Hillcrest House, County Mayo, IrelandArt can happen anywhere; in this case it was a wonderfully styled bathroom window illuminated by light reflecting off the lush garden grasses behind Hillcrest House (the Irish homestead of fellow photographer Ron Rosenstock).
   
County Galway, IrelandThe yellow blossoms of “gort”, a weedy plant that dots the Irish country side, are in bloom in the spring and seen here surrounding this river. The white dots just under the tree branch are sheep grazing in the far distance.
   
Galway Ireland
     
  
   
Westport, County Mayo, Ireland
   
     
  
Galway, Ireland
   
Galway, Ireland
   
Galway, IrelandA musician begins preparation for an afternoon’s performance with the colorful backdrop of downtown Galway behind.
     
  
County Mayo, Ireland
   
County Mayo, Ireland
   
County Mayo, Ireland
     
  
County Mayo, Ireland
   
County Mayo, Ireland
   
County Mayo, IrelandTwo farmers enjoy a chat on a sunny spring afternoon after a few pints and lunch.
     
  
County Mayo Ireland
   
Rossanrubble, County Mayo, Ireland
   
County May, Ireland
     
  
August, 2007: "Sign of the Times" wins award at NHAA Vision & Voice Exhibit."I went from feeling wonderment to disappointment and disgust when I turned the corner inside this abbey and saw this spray-painted on the wall. "Sign of the times… nothing is sacred, not even here" I thought. My trip, until now, was about making photographs of the beautiful Irish countryside, but I felt compelled to capture this reminder of hate. The swastika on the wall, in sharp contrast to the Celtic cross on the right pulls us harshly back into reality; as much as we like to experience beauty and goodness, there are those who will always spew ugliness and hatred." -Chris Otte