The Birds and the Bees – 2012
Date: 2012
Dimensions: 1 x 1m ( 4 different panels)
Materials: Ceramic
Techniques: High fired ceramics, porcelain glaze with ceramic decals made from collaged artwork.
Commissioned by: Northern Ireland Health Group
Location: Hospital corridor, South West Acute Hospital, Enniskilllen.
Architects: Todd Architects in conjunction with Hall Black Douglas
Main contractors: FCC Elliot
Description: Four panels along the hospital corridor resemble the patterns of flowers and are made from ceramic elements, depicting images of local flora and fauna.
Concept: Located along the hospital street, with its views out to the linear garden, the art works are based on natural themes continuing the architects desire to ‘bring the outside in’.
Common names for flowers and insects have different roots, some indicating what they look and sound like (Yellow Rattle, Fox Glove, Butter Cup, Ladies Tresses Orchid, Painted Ladies). Some others mimic birds and insects to scare off predators or as a pollination ploy to trick insects and are named from these characteristics (Bee Orchid, Humming Bird Hawk Moth).
The Artwork for each area is inspired by the common name of a wild flower or insect found in the locality. Seen at a glance, these resemble flowers or butterflies, but close-up reveal their namesake in fine detail. Made in brightly coloured ceramics on a contrasting painted background these artworks act as visual way finding markers for the different areas. The idea is not to try to copy the real flower but to create an image which draws in the viewer through the idea of a wild meadow and shows rare and delicate local species.
Cuckoo Flower
Source of inspiration for this work: Artwork inspired by the common name of a wild flower found in the locality. Seen at a glance, this resembles a flower, but close-up, reveals its namesake, the Cuckoo and its host, the Meadow Pipit.
Bee Orchid
Source of inspiration for this work: Artwork inspired by the common name of a wild flower found in the locality. Seen at a glance, this resembles a flower, but close-up, reveals its namesake, the bumble bee with maps of the region in the background.
Butterfly Orchid
Source of inspiration for this work: Artwork inspired by the common name of a wild flower found in the locality. Seen at a glance, this resembles a flower, but close-up, shows two of the regions moths, a Garden Tiger and an Elephant Hawkmoth with maps in the background.
Birds Nest Orchid
Source of inspiration for this work: Artwork inspired by the common name of a wild flower found in the locality. Seen at a glance, this resembles a flower, but close-up, reveals its namesake, three common birds, the Goldcrest, Pied Wagtail and Wren.
Community-
Part of this project involved workshops with many different community groups throughout Fermanagh and with two schools in Enniskillen. This resulted in a series of smaller framed artworks based on quilt designs.
