Amhrán na bhFiann...
Like millions of people around the world, heading back to their homeland wasn’t an option for nearly two years during lockdown. I missed it dearly, and was compelled to make an homage to the beautiful, young, modern, vibrant nation, that I’m eternally proud of. And to honour its beginnings, through our national anthem.
There were two processes I’ve previously used separately elsewhere in my work. The first being Phyre Etching, where scorched wood is painstakingly, slowly cut away with incredibly sharp carving blades, to create tone and image from the theoretically damaged wood. Much like actual forest fires, beauty is allowed to emerge from destruction.
The second process is the multilayered repeated calligraphy of words and sentences that are at the core of the work, such as in this case, the Irish national anthem, The Soldier’s song, written around 1909 by Peadar Kearney. The words are written so many times, they dissolve, where a thousand words become a picture, or texture.
The work is a celebration of pure pride, though not the nationalistic isolationist, aggressive version that is prevalent in many countries today. It is the celebration of family, friends, people, culture, music, art, heritage and heart that is my homeland, Ireland. A place that radiates around the world, at a completely disproportionate ratio to its size.
Amhrán na bhFiann
Sinne Fianna Fáil, atá faoi gheall ag Éirinn,
Buíon dár slua thar toinn do ráinig chugainn,
Faoi mhóid bheith saor,
Seantír ár sinsear feasta,
Ní fhágfar faoin tíorán ná faoin tráill.
Anocht a théam sa bhearna bhaoil,
Le gean ar Ghaeil, chun báis nó saoil,
Le gunna-scréach faoi lámhach na bpiléar,
Seo libh canaig’ amhrán na bhFiann.
The Soldier’s Song
Soldiers are we, whose lives are pledged to Ireland,
Some have come from a land beyond the wave.
Sworn to be free, no more our ancient sireland,
Shall shelter the despot or the slave.
Tonight we man the ‘bearna bhaoil’
In Erin’s cause, come woe or weal,
‘Mid cannons’ roar and rifles peal,
We’ll chant a soldier’s song.
Dimensions: 30cm x 42cm
Contact for purchase.
