Abstract
September 2008 HEART PUBLIC ART FOR PLUMBRIDGE LINKS THE ANCIENT WITH THE FUTUREArtist Brian Connolly captures and blends intricate images from pre-Christian times to the present day.Plumbridge has become home to an intricate and inspiring piece of public art by internationally acclaimed artist and sculptor, Bushmills based Brian Connolly.Brian was commissioned last year to produce public art for both Plumbridge and Ramelton, as part of the unique cross-border HEART programme – an EU Interreg funded programme led jointly by Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council.The Plumbridge Sculpture comprises six stone panels, each one tonne in weight - sand-blasted with images which tell aspects of the village’s history, nature & heritage.“The imagery has been derived from a lengthy process of local and historical research,” said Brian.“Some of the imagery is quite intricate in places and this takes time to both create and cut. The Plumbridge imagery is based on differing eras of Irish history – from the pre-Christian era, the early Celtic church and Medieval periods.“I’m also incorporating imagery of local fauna and flora, in relation to seasonal changes and the celestial mapping of the annual night sky.”Brian has also concentrated on including local imagery directly relevant to Plumbridge into his detailed designs – including a representation of a new-born baby’s hand which will be incorporated into the last panel relating to modern times, and as Brian said “This will also provide a link to represent the future.”Brian Connolly explained: “creating the images for the Plumbridge commission was a detailed process which involved the images being drawn onto rubber sheets, which were then cut out as stencils – specially designed to protect the stone surface during shot-blasting.”HEART manager Roisin Connolly said “The twelve pieces of public art for the participating HEART towns in the Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council have been installed save for one – and each is unique, intriguing, imaginative and closely linked to the locality where they will become a treasured addition to the environment and communities.” “Brian Connolly’s commissions for Plumbridge and Ramelton link the ancient with the future, which reflects the HEART ethos of celebrating the history, heritage and local culture of each area, to the long term positive and progressive future of each participating town and village. HEART stands for Heritage, Environment, Art and Rural Tourism.For further information, Ends
Original language | English |
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Place of Publication | Plumbridge, Co Tyrone, Northern Ireland. |
Publication status | Published (in print/issue) - 2008 |
Bibliographical note
Contact HEART programme manager Roisin Connolly at Strabane District Council on 028 7138 2204 ext 266 or [email protected](roject Run via Starbane District Council contact via above number)
Outputmediatype: Limestone bench made from six stone slabs, placed together.
Keywords
- public art
- northern ireland
- sculpture
- stone
- contextual art
- community consultation
- history
- historical context
- habitat
- flora
- fona