Eilis O'Connell British, b. 1953
Conet T, 2009
Carbon fibre, epoxy resin, paint
300 x 530 x 250 cm
These fabulous monumental works by Irish sculptor Eilis O'Connell initially began as maquettes for a commission by Goodwood sculpture park. O'Connell says: 'I was experimenting with composite materials after years...
These fabulous monumental works by Irish sculptor Eilis O'Connell initially began as maquettes for a commission by Goodwood sculpture park. O'Connell says:
"I was experimenting with composite materials after years of working with steel and I found that unlike steel I could make forms that flow and move in many directions, it was light yet still rigid and strong. It was core mat and once I got it into position I saturated it with epoxy resin and the next day it was solid. I let gravity decide how a form would hang then when solid I inverted it and it looked amazing. When I work on this scale I am always thinking big I consider how structurally the form will hold itself together in space and where the weak points will be. My sculpture references dynamic and organic processes that I try to order and control with geometric precision. Sometimes that’s impossible but I see potential in mistakes and accidental occurrences"
"Cone T began with a perfectly proportioned cone, the geometric perfection of a circle rising to a single point in space. From this circularity the form flows out in many directions and eventually folds back in on itself like a shell. These new material and processes allow me to make multi-directional and undulating planes. This sculpture hovers between geometric control and wild fluid form, order and chaos in creative control."
"I was experimenting with composite materials after years of working with steel and I found that unlike steel I could make forms that flow and move in many directions, it was light yet still rigid and strong. It was core mat and once I got it into position I saturated it with epoxy resin and the next day it was solid. I let gravity decide how a form would hang then when solid I inverted it and it looked amazing. When I work on this scale I am always thinking big I consider how structurally the form will hold itself together in space and where the weak points will be. My sculpture references dynamic and organic processes that I try to order and control with geometric precision. Sometimes that’s impossible but I see potential in mistakes and accidental occurrences"
"Cone T began with a perfectly proportioned cone, the geometric perfection of a circle rising to a single point in space. From this circularity the form flows out in many directions and eventually folds back in on itself like a shell. These new material and processes allow me to make multi-directional and undulating planes. This sculpture hovers between geometric control and wild fluid form, order and chaos in creative control."
Join our mailing list
* denotes required fields
We will process the personal data you have supplied in accordance with our privacy policy (available on request). You can unsubscribe or change your preferences at any time by clicking the link in our emails.