Kevin Branigan has just published his first book of poems. It’s called Heart-Feather and it will be launched at the Highlanes Gallery on Saturday October 21st at 3.00pm.
Heart-Feather is a selection of reflections written mostly over the past year on subjects drawn from mundane life. Some are humorous observations on travel, modernity and cabin fever while others dwell on themes of life, love and loss.
As well as reading verse from the English-speaking world, Kevin has been influenced by the French, Chinese and Japanese traditions, helping him to develop a pared-down style and power of observation.
When considering an image for the book’s cover, Kevin chose a painting remembered from childhood which is now in the possession of the Highlanes Gallery in Drogheda. Pierrot by John Kelly hung for many years in the Drogheda Public Library, Fair Street and subsequently in Stockwell Street. A clown like figure faces sideways, hands outstretched, looking resigned.
“I was always puzzled by the idea of a clown who looked so sad. This fits in with my collection of poetry as it mịxes heavy and light material, hence the title Heart-Feather.”
The author has previously published Radio Beckett (Peter Lang) in 2007, an examination of the musical quality of Samuel Beckett’s output for radio. In 2019 he published a children’s book, again on the theme of music titled JP Baedeker and the Tale of the Magic Kitchen Dresser.
As a singer and musician he features on Reynardine’s The Hare ‘s Dream (2005) and produced CDs Threads of Fine Gold: Song from the Drogheda Singing Gathering 2013 and Ceangailt Chlainne: Singing Families from County
Louth (2016).
In 2022 he released a solo CD titled The Night Was Made for Loving which has been featured on BBC Radio Ulster’s Caschlár and Raidio na Gaeltachta’s An Ghealach Ghorm.
Admission to the launch is free but to reserve your place CLICK HERE
