Out from the limestone
Come images of life gone
And new life to come

EMERGENCE derives from the realisation that all life in the Burren either emanates from or is connected to the limestone. Fossil traces exposed on the rock surface point to the region’s primordial marine origins, exposed by glaciation and subsequent erosion. Growing out from fissures, decorating pristine grassland or clinging to outcrops; the extravagant limestone flora epitomises emergence. Perching on glacial boulders, skulking in the hazel scrub or wintering out in the turloughs and caves; the fauna does the same. Megalithic tombs, cashels and tower houses and kilometres of drystone walls point to the continuum of rock dependency and the toil and craft of human endeavour.

EMERGENCE also implies renewal and ultimately, hope. In these times of disillusionment, extraneous threats and guarded futures, it becomes more meaningful and relevant.

The exhibits are presented on individual limestones representing the Burren. Though depicted on the surface, the images emerge from the stones to create an atmosphere of intrinsic connection rather than superficiality.

The media used are mostly oil pastel and coloured pencil and occasionally acrylic.

The Haiku verse, accompanying each of the exhibits, is presented as complementary literary art. In its three-line/five-seven-five stanzas and seventeen syllables, it gives concise poetic expression to the images. While adhering structurally to the Japanese format, it also aims to explore the ‘revelation of essence’ by way of Gerard Manley Hopkins’ concept of ‘Inscape’.

Gordon D’Arcy, May 2025

Freelance environmental artist, author and educator since 1985, Gordon D’Arcy has been painting since childhood. A civil engineer, D’Arcy left the profession to devote himself to art and conservation. He is the expert guide for the natural and social heritage of the Burren, leading bespoke tours. He specialises in nature art using various media including water colour, acrylic and pastel and has held several solo exhibitions in Ireland, the UK and the US. As author of nine books on aspects of natural history, including the best-selling The Birds of Ireland, (1981), as well as Ireland’s Lost Birds (1999) and The Natural History of the Burren (1992), he is currently writing and illustrating a series of nature themed books for children. He also collaborates with US author John McLaughlin on similar publications; most recently ‘The Maine Lobster’.

In environmental education, he has extensive experience in teaching at third level, at the University of Galway, ATU and the Burren College of Art, and at primary level under the Heritage in Schools Scheme and in adult education. A patron of Burren Beo and a former trustee of the Pushkin Trust in Northern Ireland, he has continued his involvement in primary level cross border, cross community education through engendering environmental awareness. Recently he was awarded an R.J Hunter bursary from the Royal Irish Academy to further his research on Glenconkyne, looking at the historical evidence for the environmental impact on Ireland’s largest native woodland, which was destroyed following the Ulster Plantation.

W: gordondarcy.ie
I: @gordondarcynature