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 The traditional central cross has been replaced by a bloody voodoo figurine.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
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’.
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.