Sculpture
These are some examples of a series of Triptychs and Tabernacles made during the Covid-19 lockdowns in 2020, inspired by Flemish and Mosan medieval religious art. You can find more recent productions on the News page.
“Dream of the Proselyte”
Fig 1 closed , Fig 2 opened.
Wood, paint.
There are multiple versions of The Proselyte’s Dream, from 2½ metres wide to this small portable reliquary. The globe covered with crosses appeals to both believers and agnostics; that’s what I call a successful image. It has layers and can be read in very different lights.
“Hello James”
Fig 1 closed, Fig 2 opened.
Wood, paint
This was my first-ever triptych. The painting was originally in one piece, but I rejected it because the format felt wrong. I decided one day to cut the sides off, to re-centre the subject, and suddenly got the idea to frame each part separately. This encounter with a drunken carnival farandole in the middle of the woods is inspired by James Ensor, a Belgian painter from Ostende, famous for his carnival scenes.
“Small Mother Earth”
Fig 1 closed, Fig 2 opened.
Wood, paint
When open: H: 300mm, W: 330mm, D: 100mm. Cat. no. 497. € 380.
A pocket altar, medieval style, to remember what’s sacred in life.
“Trans”
Fig 1 closed, Fig 2 opened.
Wood, paint.
A schoolmate of one of my sons used to be a shy, chubby little boy.
She is now a wonderful woman. This archangel is for her.
“St Covid”
Fig 1 closed, Fig 2 opened.
Wood, paint.
This piece was made in Kerry during the first lockdown. The sheep’s wool is local! Adam has a die in each hand. Eve has golden pills. The traditional central cross has been replaced by a bloody voodoo figurine.
Sculpture Archives
Ascent to Civilisation. Wood, clay, copper wire. Cat. no. 266. Sold
Firewaters. Wire mesh, paper, silk. ↔ 1400mm. Cat. no. 267. Sold.
Mother Earth. Wire mesh, paper, silk, wood, leather. Cat. no. 268. € 900
Created for a group show at the Triskel Arts Centre, Cork. The theme was ‘fetish in a box’.
Ascent to Civilisation 2. Wood, clay, wire. Cat. no. 269.
Happy Days at the Gallows. Wood, wire mesh, newspaper. Cat. no. 359.
Happy Days at the Gallows. Wood, wire mesh, newspaper. Cat. no. 359. Made for a group show at Outlaw Studios – in the old Ford factory, Ford’s first assembly line in Europe -held just after the crash of the Celtic tiger. The figures are covered with news cuttings of the time. Further exhibited at a group show in the Fás building, Cork, and at a solo show at Camden Palace Community Arts Centre.
The Proselyte’s Dream. Polysterene, wood, paper. Cat. no. 410.
This piece ,perched high in the ballroom of the Camden Palace Community Arts Centre, has witnessed many and various events