Following our first day of introductions and brain storming, a few artists have spread their wings to research, source materials, flatter local mechanics for spare parts and generally start putting ideas into action.
Plenty happening at the workshops in ArtSquad where Aidan Crotty is making great progress with his camera Obscura and there was a sneak preview of the zoetrope prototype Paul O'Driscoll is working on.
The local flora and fauna native to Ballycroy is inspiring some interesting experiments with Lindsay McConnell and Nichole Francis busy researching natural dyes to make from collected plants,  meanwhile Collette Howley is exploring paper making techniques using locally sourced natural materials. No doubt there will be an unusual and bizarre collection of pots and pans simmering over the coming days.
Looking forward to getting back on site tomorrow to catch up with the rest of the crew and see how all the other works are progressing.

Whirly gigs and weather vanes, Avenue of Howlers, Organic sculpture team, walk in camera obscura, wind powered zoetrope... these were just a few of the ideas brought to the first day of work at Ballycroy, where we met up with John, Sue, Jamie and Dan from the Dead Good Guides.They brought with them a huge variety of materials and resources that will be adapted and developed to best engage with the landscape and overall project.Following a bracing walk around the park, and some welcome hot soup afterwards, site planning was the main agenda with loads of great contributions from all involved. The wind is one thing we can guarantee on and many of the ideas for installations hope to incorporate this constant element of the environment. creating areas of dark, light, curiosity and surprise, a walk through visual symphony.We also moved into the squash court at the local community hall which will be the main centre of operations, although we learned today that amongst the many activities that the community hall hosts, the local church has closed for refurbishments so mass will being held at the hall also, slightly bizarre twist but the community hall seems to be where it is all happening at the moment!