Gateway to the Sahara

Three hours out of Casablanca, into North Africa's hottest tourist spot 'Marrakech' lies so much culture, so much heritage and a hell of a lot of my flesh.

...No thanks to being attacked by a conniving family of Cacti.

So unfortunately my first morning in this fabulous city consisted of a full body tweezing... OUCH!

Word of advice...NEVER, I repeat NEVER, feel the need to pose with the porcupine of the plant world, no matter how pretty they pretend to be.

A few much needed Malibu's later I was feeling fabulous and ready to take on the 'real hustle'.

But my goodness! nothing could have prepared me for the sweaty world wind that was about to follow.

Im tongue tied pretty much most of time, so to put this whole experience into words is touching on impossible.

But this place is an absolute spicy feast for all the senses & I cant help but feel blessed to experience such 'through Michael Palin's eyes' wonder.

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The dusty rose pink city is a sprawling network of activity from dawn until dusk. With market stalls in abundance, your nose (and your wallet) is tantalised by the rich scents of leather and the sweet smells of spice. Your ears filled with the sounds of snake charmers, men with monkeys, fortune tellers, food vendors and prayer from the hidden miniature mosques.

You can almost taste the mouthwatering Tagine, super sugary mint tea but of course all I was craving was a Mcflurry :)

In such a place you can experience so much wealth, yet so much poverty. So much beauty, yet so much ugly. But above all, just so much more than you could ever expect.

My first taste of snails!

& As it is most unlikely I will be unable to blog over the course of the next week, here is a few more Romantic, Raphy captures to keep you going through the wet, winterous days.

By the ever lovely Iain Thompson

Mermaidography

A selection of sensually, submerged, shots from the stupendous Simon Crinks

Ok, ok so theres no scales or flippers but Mermaidography does have kind of a ring to it. :/

I just can not praise Simon highly enough. I dont have to tell you how talented he is,

But I will anyway :).... He's blummin' AMAZING!

Now lets all have a goosey at what some other very talented individuals from around the globe have been up to.

This beauty was recently produced by the Australian Artist Kristian Mumford

The original image and copyright belongs to the Ireland based, light master Ciaran Whyte , taken on our wonderful Portugal trip earlier this August.

Please do take the time to cast your eyes over to his inspiring and informative blog , where you can admire more delectable images from our stay.

Now for something a little more contrasting...

I had the grand opportunity of working with the French artist and visionary a little earlier this year...these two very distinctive pieces of work where created by the super lovely Alexandre Rogala .

This supernatural digital delight titled "VAST" was the result of Australian artists Georgia Gibson

I really love this image and will most certainly be getting a pet white wolf one day.

The original image was once again that of Mr.Whytes

"Wind Swept"

Last but most certainly not least....

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A digital delicacy from the magic mind of Moonmomma 

Originally snapped by the darling Rebecca Parker 

Here is a sneaky peakers of our soon to be blogged new lovelies.....

& just before I dash off and leave you for a last minute holiday essentials spree..

Heres the last little thing on my birthday wish list..

A crochet caravan! Just what ive always needed!! :)

How very Kerry.

Earlier this summer I and the brilliant Eamonn Farrell; a Dublin based fine art nude photographer, ventured south to the untamed beautiful south west coast. Having worked with Eamonn before in a not so kind November climate, I was delighted to have the sun break through the clouds & beat down on us as we worked for two whole days.

When the sun shines upon Ireland it unveils a whole new picture post card beauty. 

The scenic drive along the peninsula of dingle, is a windy and beautiful one. Passing through atmospheric towns, sweeping sands and cliff tops. This panoramic vista is an absolute must see.

Here is some of what i saw.

 

A quick catch up with some Farm yard friends.

 And this is what Eamonn saw....

If you do happen to be in Ireland this month, please do spare time for a visit to Michael Culhane's stunning exhibition currently showing at the Free art society gallery in Mullingar.

Where you can enjoy and purchase his 'diverse photographic work inspired by ethics, psychoanalysis, religion and spirituality, as well as by art and literature'.

I was quietly humbled to find my self heavily featured in the show cases, with images such as...

'Commemoration for the many'

'The tree graces'

Happy monday with love Raphaella McNamara.

Down the aisle with India Hobson.

I recently got the chance to work with the remarkably beautiful India Hobson.

India's work is undeniably gorgeous, so I was over joyed to be selected as one of the 3 faces shooting with her for the whiteroombridal company.

The gowns...oh the gowns!! Absolute couture overload! If you look up Heaven in the dictionary you will find Jenny Peckham's and Claire Pettibones' dresses. 

Oh my goodness, I think im having a hot flush.

This is just a snippet of the stunning collection.

 Makeup :Nicki Donohoe

Hair :Wigs & Warpaint