The project aims to explore the sounds, the flora and fauna and the landscape of the Sligo Ox Mountains particularly the Slishwood Division, with its history of extreme metamorphism dating back to the Precambrian era of over 1.5 billion years ago.

Over three seasons both artists have met, walked and revisited the same trail during winter, spring and summer. Moving slowly and ‘consciously noticing’ the flora and fauna change and grow, while listening with ‘the below’, ‘the on’ and ‘the above’ of the Ox Mountains. Soil sound recordings were made, matchbox pinhole photographs, 35 mm film, and pinsta photographic images were taken and developed in plant material and miniature anthotypes were made using emulsion from local plants.

As part of the Artists Development Programm in July 2026 Jackie and Melissa hosted an Artists Walk and Talk inviting members of the local community and the public to follow their established trail through the mountains, sharing research made throughout the year through recordings, images and also participating in making some of their own communal imagery. Both artists shared their research and practice at The Art of Connection, featuring guest speakers from Ireland and abroad, the event examined the role of collaboration, partnership and international exchange in developing artistic practice and building sustainable careers through panel discussions, case studies and informal networking opportunities.