Anna McGurn

Anna McGurn is a ceramic artist from Fermanagh. Her focus is primarily figurative sculpture and, in her work, she seeks to bring a sense of life to clay. Anna wants her work to be about more than just form, but to emphasise emotion, expression and ultimately connection.

Anna is from a farming background. The connection to the land remains very important to her, and is a large influence in her work. Anna harvests clay from her family farm in the creation of many of her sculptural pieces, and uses natural local resources in her work.

Anna believes that art is a powerful tool in connecting people to the land, wildlife, and heritage, and has engaged in projects that focus on our endangered species and at-risk environments. Using art as a tool raises awareness, stimulates interest, and starts conversations, it enables people to reconnect with the natural resources and feel they have a stake in preservation and good environmental practice.

Jane Corrigan helps manage her family’s 400-acre farm in Fermanagh, alongside her brother and 80-year-old father. The land stretches from the shores of Lough Erne to Lough Navar Forestry, combining wet, heavy ground with diverse natural habitats. The farm has been in the family since the 1930s, with various plots acquired over time. Jane, who previously lived in England, returned home in 2020 to support her father. She has a background in Fine Art and Design Technology, working part-time as a teacher while continuing to farm.

The family farm focuses on beef suckler cattle and sheep, with births occurring from March to April, aligning with natural seasons. Their approach is extensive rather than intensive, using low-input, nature-friendly farming. The land includes species-rich areas, forestry, and foreshore, supporting a variety of wildlife and biodiversity. The family works closely with environmental organisations to maintain sustainable practices.

Beyond farming, Jane’s father is a well-known community figure, involved in cross-community and historical groups. Their home is a traditional cèilidh house, often welcoming visitors at all hours. The land is rich in history, with old farm dwellings, folklore, and stories of fairies, political events, and ghostly sightings. Fields have inherited names and legends, keeping the past alive. Their farm is more than just land—it’s a living tapestry of nature, history, and community, where sustainable agriculture meets rich storytelling and heritage.

The Farm Walks project (est. 2023) was co-created by Leitrim County Council Arts Office and The Dock, in partnership with The Leitrim Sustainable Agriculture Group and the Ulster Wildlife Farmers’ Group in Fermanagh, funded through the Creative Ireland Shared Island Programme. Through the project, the partners aim to build cross-border cooperation, to explore the common ground between artists and farmers, and to highlight shared farming and environmental interests.