Ciaran Davies

'Stones, Stories & Crossroads' is a series of short, mixed-media moving image pieces inspired by historic monuments and the folklore attributed to them. During the last few months of my time in college, I found myself travelling the length and breadth of Ireland for work. Driving across landscapes steeped in story and scattered with ancient monuments. Upon visiting some of these sites and gathering materials, I have recounted some of these stories using a contemporary, semi-abstract approach.

The monuments included vary in profile, from well-known to often overlooked. Using multiple approaches, both the oral and written folk tradition have been incorporated into the work. Some are audio-led, utilising archival interviews, while others rely heavily on written folklore with the inclusion of bespoke haikus by poet Gabriel Rosenstock. The project explores supernatural and nostalgic themes, reminiscent of stories you might hear at one of Ireland's more prominent heritage sites.