Encircle 2009
Date: 2009
Dimensions: Two artworks each 1 x 3 m
Materials: Artwork in ceramic, glass, copper, wood and bronze
Techniques: Hand made ceramics, earthenware lustre glaze, cast bronze, laser cut patinated copper, turned yew and egyptian paste beads
Commissioned by: South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust
Location: Waiting Area, New Downe Hospital, Downpatrick
Architects: Scott Wilson Architects
Main Contractor: McLaughlin and Harvey
Description: Two adjacent artworks consisting of a series of circular motifs made in ceramic, glass, wood and metal intersected by a ribbon of patinated copper running through the design. The second artwork is a reflection or negative of the designs on the LHS with the images cut out of copper, which has then been patinated to give the surface a colour. The metal sheet has been placed onto kiln cast textured glass and floats out from the surface of the wall.
Concept: ‘Encircle’ is based on the history and archaeology of the surrounding area especially the Stone Circles at Ballynoe, the circular ring forts in the area and the hoard of gold bracelets found in Co. Down.
The artwork echoes many aspects of thousands of years of habitation in Co. Down and uses drawings of artifacts in Downpatrick Museum as decoration on the ceramic pebbles which make up part of the circular design. The artwork combines traditional techniques of wood turning, lustre firing, bronze casting and smoke firing with quirky images of ancient artifacts.
Shortlisted for the Best Use of Visual Arts in Healthcare by the Building Better Healthcare Awards 2011.
