Welcome!

Anna King Writer

Anna King - Photo credit: Julia Dunin.

Dr. Anna King is a published, award-winning author, and multidisciplinary artist - combining creative prose and photography with contemplative-art practices.

Current Project: Artist-Research-Residency 2024 with Creative Places, Ballaghaderreen. Funded by The Arts Council, Ireland in collaboration with Roscommon County Council.

Hi - a few words about my creative work…

In 2014, I received a Doctorate in Philosophy (Ethnography / Arts-Based Methodologies) from NUI, Galway, which won a prestigious three-year Irish Research Council Scholarship.

I am currently working on a series of contemplative-art projects:

CONTEMPLATIVE ART

Current Research

CONTEMPLATIVE ART

Rooted in ancient wisdom traditions, contemplative-art is a form of artistic expression and appreciation that encourages deep reflection, mindfulness, and a sense of inner-awareness. 

My artistic practice moves beyond the idea that our inner-world is separate from the landscapes within which we dwell; it explores concepts of interconnection and non-dualism, as well as the multi-layered lived-experience of being connected to place.

I also work with a unique blend of participatory-contemplative-art-practices. A current project focuses on our relationship with PLACEWAYS, which is part of my ‘Creative Places Ballaghaderreen Residency’.

My Creative Process

All of my work is inspired by a deep appreciation and love of the natural world, the changing seasons and the healing potential that lies within the wisdom of nature's grace.

My creative work explores meditative spaces, where the delicate present moment invites us to release the perceived boundaries that separate us from eternal unfolding wholeness.

My poetry gives voice to silence, to the whispers of the unseen and the echo of timeless beauty captured in the scarred landscapes of forgotten connections.

I am inspired by the liminal spaces in-between that which we perceive to be real, and that which we experience as mystical.

My Style: Minimalist and Reflective.

I endeavour to create a sense of spaciousness in my work, with a view to awakening a deeper and more meaningful connection to our inner and outer landscapes, and beyond.

Beyond the ‘Veil of Separation’

I am also in the process of developing / researching a body of work for an immersive exhibition of experiences using contemplative art, sculpture (in collaboration with other artists), soundscapes, meditation audios with visualisation prompts, and living-spaces curated from natural materials.

Until this installation is finalised, I’m delighted to share with you some of the theory behind the contemplative-art experience, as well as how art can be used within social settings / environments to enhance individual and community health and well-being.

See my latest blogs.

Lastly, I am working on a publication that will include a series of short stories and poems exploring my personal experience of adoption: “A Mother’s Silence’. Keep an eye on my instagram for updates.

ABOUT OUR BOOK

Rekindling the fire

During Covid I co-authored Re-Kindling the Fire: Food and The Journey of Life (published in 2022 by Austin Macauley) in collaboration with Dr. Martin Ruffley, an award winning chef and lecturer at GMIT. This book features my poetry, as well as creative non-fiction prose.

About our book:

Rekindling the Fire is not an ordinary cookbook. It is a beautiful collection of recipes that are inspired by Martin’s deeply touching story of overcoming addiction through cooking. My narrative gives ‘voice’ to Martin’s journey through the medium of creative writing, poetic verse and reflective insights drawn from my experience of mindful meditation.

As described by McKenna’s Guides:

“Anna King drives the narrative of this unforgettable book with skill and subtlety, teasing the wise philosophy of living from the authors fraught experiences.”

WINNER 2023 - ‘Best in the World' The Gourmand Cookbook Awards in the Lifestyle: Drink and Health Category.

In addition, Rekindling the Fire received a prestigious ‘Special Award’ in the Food Culture:

Authors Category.

Our book has been featured in The Irish Independent, Times and Examiner, and The Connacht Tribune.