Irish Bog Oak Sculptures
What is Irish bog oak?
Read the page on Irish bogs first (bogs.html)
for some background information on bogs in general. Bog oak is a very hard and
very dark wood, which has been hardened and preserved after thousands of years
in the Irish bog, the remains of extensive forests of pine, yew and oak at a
time when the entire island was covered in dense forest vegetation.
Many artists salvage the fragments of bog oak themselves, and create amazing
works of art. The ability to work with such an ancient artefact never fails to
inspire. Some incredible pieces of art have been created, as well as many less artistic
and more practical pieces of artisanship for practical use in the home. In many
cases, the twisting shape of the original tree is preserved as it’s often the
most beautiful part.
The raw material for the
beautiful artistic pieces created by talented artists
Artists, Artesans and Craftsmen
Twisted Spirit
http://www.twistedspirit.com/
Idris Bowen is a wood sculptor living in the heart of the Bog of Allen,
Ireland, with a passion for the natural forms of ancient wood. He works
primarily with 5000 year old bog wood. The spirit of the wood speaks for
itself, often with a surprising twist!
The Kenny Gallery – featured artists
http://www.thekennygallery.ie/art/bogwood.shtml
The Kenny Gallery in Galway has exhibitions of sculptures by well known local
bog timber artists.
Brian O’Loughlin
http://irishbogoak.com/wp/
Brian has created some imaginative, bold and absolutely beautiful pieces
here, from abstract pieces, to figures. Visually intriguing to look at.
The Celtic Roots Studio
http://store.celtic-roots.com/
The Celtic Roots studio is a co-operative company of artists, who create sculptures
and unique gifts in bogwood. Many Heads of State around the world have received
the work on visits to Ireland or abroad and now own the work of the studio.
Liam Bourke
http://www.liambourke.com/index.html
Liam Bourke is a wood-turner and creates some nice pieces from recycled wood. (Not
necessarily bog oak)
Kevin Casey
http://homepage.eircom.net/~bogoaksculptures/home.htm
Commissioned sculptures have been presented to: Former Prime Minister Mr
Albert Reynolds TD, President Mary McAleese
Michael Casey
http://homepage.eircom.net/~bogoaksculptures/longfordcocouncil.htm
Michael Casey has created some incredible sculptures, including commissions for
Pope John Paul II, and Dublin Airport and there is a gallery of some of the
most famous and impressive ones here.
Further Information:
ACTION FOR BOGS & WILDLIFE
http://www.ipcc.ie/infobogbodies.html
Has a great set of information on bog bodies
National Museum of Ireland
Here is a link to their set of permanent exhibitions: http://www.museum.ie/en/exhibition-list/archaeology-and-ethnography-permanent-exhibitions.aspx
Well worth a visit.