Blackwater Community
School Sculpture
This is a public art installation commissioned in 2018 by Blackwater Community School in Lismore, County Waterford.
The Brief
To design, create, and install a sculpture that reflects the ethos of the community school.
Design inspiration for this project was primarily based on the schools existing crest which comprised of three main elements:
* The Blackwater River: A large, handmade continuous spiral constructed from mild steel with stainless steel lettering represents the winding path of the Blackwater River, mirroring each student’s journey from source to sea and through life.
* Salmon: Perched atop the spiral is a meticulously handcrafted 5-foot Irish salmon, created from 6mm mild steel wire and galvanised. This salmon represents the ‘Salmon of Knowledge,’ a wisdom figure in Irish mythology.
* River Bed: The sculpture’s base is formed from rusted Corten Steel blended with stainless steel and filled with river stones from the Blackwater River. This element signifies the school’s solid foundation and its deep connection to the local environment.
As a former student of Blackwater Community School, it was a real honour to be entrusted with this commission. Creating this piece was a labor of love, and I hope it serves as a source of inspiration for current and future students.
By pursuing one’s passions, valuing a balanced education, and maintaining self-belief and motivation, anything is possible.
