Cailleach Oíche (Owl)
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- Original watercolour painting
- Image size 4 x 4" / 10 x 10 cm
- Painted on Fabriano Artistico 640 gsm
- Overall paper size : 5 x 5"/12 x 12 cm
In Irish, “cailleach oíche” and “ulcabhán” both translate as the word “owl”. I chose “cailleach oíche” as the title for this piece because it literally translates as night-hag, night-witch or old woman of the night. The Irish word cailleach can mean “hag”, “witch” or “old woman” and the word oíche translates as “night”.
The Cailleach is one of the oldest figures in Irish mythology and she is associated with wisdom and ancient landscapes. Owls are also commonly associated with wisdom and they too are ancient beings. In 1994, paleolithic engravings and paintings of owls were discovered at the Chauvet-Pont-d’Arc cave in France. These depictions of owls were estimated to be over 30,000 years old. And so the title “Cailleach Oíche” – (old woman of the night) - perfectly captures the owl’s wisdom and ancientness.
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In January 2024 I went to a nature reserve with a group of friends to observe barn owls hunting. The whole experience was mesmerising and breath-taking. I watched three barn owls effortlessly glide, hover, swoop and perch. Their pale feathers glowed like ghost-lights against the dark night and I remember a distinct feeling of ancientness and otherworldliness. I was speaking Irish with my friends and our excited whispers “as Gaeilge” added to the sense of magic that night. Irish is a language known for its deep connections and associations with ancient elements of the landscape.
And so this painting was made as a reminder of the magic and beauty that can still be found in nature. However, this magic and beauty can only endure if we choose to re-connect with and restore nature once and for all.
And so this painting was made as a reminder of the magic and beauty that can still be found in nature. However, this magic and beauty can only endure if we choose to re-connect with and restore nature once and for all.
