Who is Banba?

Irish mythology is still in the hearts of people of Irish decent living all around the world. Being of Irish decent, I too share this passion. I started out painting water colors of fairies and goddesses, then progressed to making jewelry inspired by the ancient knot work of the Celts. I chose Banba as the name for my collection because she was an Irish goddess and thought to be the first inhabitant of the island. Her name was often used in poetry to refer to Ireland. My hope is that my work will give the wearer a feel for this world of long ago.

Banba

I just sold this original to a lady that saw it at my hole in the wall gallery show last month. She also bought Rhiannon and two animal prints by my brother. She said she'd buy Banba when she got paid again and I guess she meant it! It's so exciting to have people want my work in their homes, especially women who want my goddesses. I paint them because they give me strength and I hope they will do that for others who see them.

Banba is at the center of Irish Mythology as the Earth Mother, representing the spirit of Ireland, and was the wife of King MacCuill. She was thought to be the first settler in Ireland. She is part of a trinity of goddesses: she, Eriu, and Fodla. Banba is a poetic name for Ireland. Banba also protected the land from invaders. She has long been my alias and screen name on line, hence Banba's Artful Realm. I have always felt she has protected me and given me strength. I also drew her as a child.
Young Banba

Hippy Chick

Growing up in the bay area in the 60s, I remember all of the teenagers who flocked to Haight Ashbury in 1967 the "Summer of Love" I was eight years old. My mother threw all of us kids into our wood paneled station wagon and took us into the city to see the spectacle. She was a teacher and thought we should soak up the cultural event. I remember seeing pretty girls with long straight hair with beaded head bands on their heads. The first hippy chicks were pretty suburban girls out to party and see what was up, not the more organic version that evolved in the years after that.

That was a wild summer with the Hells Angles hanging out at the local Foster's Freeze. I can remember looking up to my older glamorous teen age sister with yard length peroxide blonde hair and home sewn jersey mini dresses and sterilized needle pierced ears. Occasionally, she'd sneak out and I'd have to hand her her clothes out the window. Sorry Mom...

Banba

I became fascinated with goddesses in college while taking a women's studies course at Sonoma State University. I am an Irish American and was drawn to Banba because she is at the center of Irish Mythology as the Earth Mother, representing the spirit of Ireland, and was the wife of King MacCuill. She was thought to be the first settler in Ireland. She is part of a trinity of goddesses, she, Eriu, and Fodla. Banba is a poetic name for Ireland. Banba also protected the land from invaders. Throughout my life I have called upon her for inspiration and solace. I have drawn her many times and last night she showed up again! She is depicted with a Claddagh on her forehead. Her earing is a Celtic spiral.