Artist Martin Heron describes how he has evolved his art practice and process by producing a number of temporary artworks using scrim and drywall tape at various locations around Roscommon, focusing mainly on Boyle. These works have been documented to produce a special photo book.

Martin was a successful applicant under the Creative Roscommon Open Call 2023. He has immersed himself in the surrounds of his new hometown of Boyle and has been inspired to create temporary pieces that both enhance and compliment the environment in which they are placed.

Exploring locations before finding the most appropriate place to attempt a piece, Martin was keen that some Roscommon sites would have, where possible, a recognisable landmark that the scrim sketch could contrast with in the final photograph.

The Boyle River Bridge, The Archway at Bawn Cootehall, Roscommon Castle, and Elphin Windmill all became the backdrop to some of Martin’s art installations, highlighting them in a new, fun and exciting way.

Given the public nature of the work, it led to interactions with local people and visitors from other parts of Ireland and abroad. Passersby would often stop to ask what he was doing and spend some time talking about the project, the material, and how unusual it is to see artists out working directly on the street.

Nature, literature, and stories of the area also began to influence Martin’s work, which he intends on exploring further, potentially adding a new dimension to the scrim sketches.

Community workshop sessions where participants got to create their own scrim sketches were offered as part of Cruinniú na nÓg and Culture Night and were held at King House, Boyle and John McGahern Barracks, Cootehall.

A huge contribution to creativity in Roscommon in a very public and engaging way, the project has now been permanently encapsulated in a photo book.