Shannagh Smithing
A nod to the hidden wisdom in our people, places and things.
I've begun loosely running my workshops and courses under Shannagh Smithing as it represents something more than just me! I'm still the driving force behind everything with Shannagh Smithing, but I hope it becomes a collaborative place where I can work alongside likeminded folks in a synergistic way.
One of the many reasons for this is that when I had the pleasure of hosting demonstrations and workshops at Electric Picnic with GreenCrafts Village. There was a small team of us. Myself, Ruairí, Tara, Aisling and Eoin were all involved in workshops and an alternative name seemed useful in future so that I can escape to some daytime gigs and leave the workshops in the capable hands of the team!
Shannagh Smithing also represents my interest in folklore and mythology.
The etymology of the word Shannagh is rich and I've grown fond of its meanings and what they represent.
Lough Shannagh - a Lough in the Mournes
Shannagh - Old/Wise
(While I don't think I'm necessarily old OR wise, craft skills certainly carry an old wisdom we could do with in the world now more than ever!)
Seanchaí - Story Teller (Give The Scratch song a listen)
Goibhniu - An ancient Celtic Metalsmith of the Tuatha Dé Danann.
I'm not an Irish expert so if you'd like to challenge my interpretations, constructive feedback is always welcome!
I have listened to The Almanac of Ireland in my workshop for years alongside other podcasts and storytellers and I hope to carry some of those teachings and ideas from Manachan Magan and others into Shannagh Smithing. Like so many people, I never met Manachan, but his work and words will carry on in my head, heart and hands. On so many days alone in the workshop I took a solace in his words and stories.
To me Shannagh Smithing is about carrying a creative spirit and collectively gathering together to share wisdom about materials, stories and the environment. I believe craft can be a really useful tool in self-exploration and exploration within communities.
I'm very much still exploring those things myself! As Shannagh-Smithing develops alongside my own artwork please stay tuned.
New Instagram for Shannagh Smithing
All the best for now,
Claire
