Artist Statement:

My intention is to showcase Irish culture both in its modern context and in the timeless, classical sense. Each bronze plate symbolizes a distinct facet of our land and culture: Sky, Water, Earth. The Sky plate features the iconic chimney stacks of inner Dublin, set against a vibrant sunset, with birds in the background. This work offers a contemporary interpretation of Dublin. The middle bronze plate represents Water, life, and new beginnings. Inspired by the classic Irish folktale of the Salmon of Knowledge, it symbolises the transformative journey of the fish, moving boldly upwards and forwards. The final bronze represents the Earth. I have inlaid actual textures of branches and leaves into the original sculpture, creating a maze of intersecting lines, bridges, and textures. This bronze reflects ancient Ireland – a time of stone, forests, and the refuge found in caves, where the roots of our culture began to form.

Presented as a triptych, the works represent Ireland across different time periods, each with its own textural and graphic treatments. The patination is meticulously executed to evoke themes of hope, longing, and mystery.

In this way, the passage of time can be perceived from left to right: the present day, the folk era, and the dawn of Irish culture.