Doire

I read an interview with artist David Shrigley by the writer Will Self. I knew a bit about Mr Shrigley's work from an exhibition . His photo of a stuffed Jack Russell standing on its hind legs holding a placard with "I'm dead" written on it is a difficult image to shift. He spoke of his plans for the vacant fourth plinth at Trafalgar Square. He has cast a bronze thumbs up ( the thumb is elongated) titled "Really Good". It made me smile anyway. He is up for this years Turner Prize with the ceremony in Derry/Londonderry.

In the alternative I like the name Doire which is Irish for oak grove.Derry is the Anglicised name. Such is the history of the place a local broadcaster avoids the issue and calls it Stroke City.I worked in Doire for almost three years and have good memories and friendships from my time there. I much prefer it to Belfast where I also lived and worked . I found Belfast prickly and it tried too hard. We all have our preferences and I am sure others will disagree.

I am happy to see Doire is European City of Culture and is staging events like the Turner Prize. Stroke City seemed to be in the shadow of the gaudy charms of Belfast . The City of Culture events have given it publicity and the chance to step into its own.

I hope Mr Shrigley is triumphant . Not because I know much about his art ( I don't). It's because his stuffed Jack Russell made me smile.