As a participating artist in this project, the task of completing and handing over my notebook, was more difficult than I had anticipated.

I was so excited as I started my notebook, which I commenced while on a residency in Cill Rialaig in April 2012, intending to complete it during my two weeks stay in Kerry. I was unprepared for the task that lay ahead.

I have a close relationship with my notebooks and journals, using them in a scrapbook type format. They usually contain lots of visuals, text, sketches, notes, important facts, and details, even the odd phone number.

As I worked on my notebook I became very aware that it would be open to public viewing and scrutiny so I began to analyse and edit what I was doing - how would it be read, by whom, and would it portray a clear linear path? These questions are usually irrelevant as my notebook is really a personal filing cabinet for my ideas. This hurdle stopped me for about two months wondering should I continue or not. Eventually I let go of the deep thinking and returned to the task…thinking that maybe when the time comes I may not actually hand it in!.

Over half way there and for some unknown reason I had put it to one side, then the reminder came with the return date. This next stage I really enjoyed, under pressure to complete the book there was no time for analysis or procrastination. Happy with my finished work I reluctantly passed it over, feeling like a parent on their child’s first day at school, hoping they would be well cared for. As I left the building I was feeling a great sense of loss and bereavement. To add to my grief I later realised that I had not taken any photographic images of my precious notebook.

I was not available to attend the opening exhibition but went another day, armed with my camera, hoping to be permitted to take some images of my work. To my surprise I was not only allowed to take images of my work and the exhibition space I was encouraged to sit, touch and peruse all the other works on display. This was such an unexpected delight as I had anticipated such precious works to be exhibited behind glass. I felt privileged to be part of this most enjoyable, enlightening and inspirational show.

I successfully obtained images of my notebook which alleviated to some extent the sense of loss I was feeling. Having posted images of the exhibition and of my work on Facebook I was inundated with art and not art queries alike wanting more information about the process and the forthcoming touring dates.