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esmond
Harris D.Ua. Born in Andersonstown, Belfast , 1960 ,into a family of 8 children. My Dad, Christopher Harris, was a Master Tailor.
And Mum, Kathleen, inspired us all, with her great love of our Dad. Her knowledge of Irish history and culture, and her courage,
after the death of my Dad at the age of 48 from cancer in 1971. After
enduring the rigourous lifestyle of Andersons Town,
a chance to come to Australia arrived. And a new life began on the subtropical North Coast of New South Wales, Australia.
The local St Vincent de Paul helped us to find a small two roomed fibro cottage, right on the beach, just north of Byron Bay, and
places were found for my three younger siblings and myself at St Johns Convent School, Mullumbimby. A strange mixture of Tin whistle playing ,
Planxty, the Chieftains, and Surfing before school became the norm, instead of dodging run away armored cars and rubber bullets on
the Glen Road, and a love and knowledge of the Rainforest began. But the draw of my Celtic Heritage is far stronger than the lure of
board wax and the "wait awhile" vine that for me characterize the Sunny Far North coast. During the Higher
School Certificate(1978) the final year exams, I drew for the art project , celtic borders, and figures from the Tain. For this, the
Ulster Cycle, and Cu Chulainn epitomized the history of the North. And when the two Bulls in their new incarnations are finally
put to rest, then and only then will the peace so long sought begin. For these two mischievous spirits have long plagued the
Irish, as the Legend tells us, bringing trouble and strife, then ending in a great battle. Perhaps this time we
might wake up to them, and slap'em on the BBQ once and for all!!
he Art of Wax carving and the flexi shaft hand set is something I have
taught myself, through the simple desire to succeed in getting the best effect. Through the close study of stone and metal work of the late
Bronze Age Ireland, and Pre-Roman Britain I am able to get a depth of realism in to our Jewellery that we have been told by our customers
and patrons makes it stand apart. The fantastic range of work available from the 6-9 Centuries is there for all to see.
The Ancient hands that have so masterfully produced works from door handles ,carved as lions, (Donore,Co Meath) or
imaginative abstract Bulls heads (such as the Co Cavan Annular Brooch) ,took the time to do it right. They weren't looking for the BIG BUCK,
they had a soul. A Celtic Soul. Even the worst of it looks good. Their works stand there as a guide and a challenge to all who wish to follow
them, and lets not forget that they lived and breathed like you and I. And through the example of their high standard of work, try to walk beside
them.

Celtic Dreaming is endorced by The Celtic Council of Australia
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