The Copper Coast is the name given by its local communities to the area of Co. Waterford extending roughly from Tramore in the east towards Stradbally in the west and north to the N25 Cork-Rosslare main road. In recognition of it’s outstanding volcanic geology, as well as the very significant history of mainly 19th century copper mining, the region was awarded the accolade of European Geopark in 2001 and “Unesco Geopark” in 2004. It is one of 17 designated Geoparks in Europe and is the only one in the Republic of Ireland. A Geopark is an area with a geological heritage of European significance. It’s significance is defined in terms of it’s scientific quality, rarity aesthetic appeal and educational value.

The sculpture was made from a solid piece of limestone weighing 13 tonnes. It arrived at the Technical Stonework Teams Workshop, Paulstown, Kilkenny as a huge rectangular mass but only as Fintan started to sculpt the rock we could see my basic design emerging.

The commissioning board wanted a permanent and durable sculpture and the idea being the way to work should celebrate the way volcanoes, oceans, deserts and ice sheets have combined to create rock unions provide the physical foundation of the natural and cultural landscapes of the coast.

Only when Fintan had completed his work I could then start to adhere the ‘Smalti’ tiles, the fire and glaciers moving slowly on the rear then a vibrant cascade of colours flowing over the top and falling to the base of the sculpture.

The replica banner of the Confederation of Kilkenny was commissioned by the late Dr. Michael McGrath, P.P. St. Canices and made by the Dun Emer Guild, Dublin c1960.

It was subsequently donated to Rothe House, Kilkenny.

The original was found in Rothe House in the 1840s, behind mainscating in the middle house.

It is now in the possession of the Royal Society of Antiquities of Ireland at 63 Merrion Square, Dublin 2. (via Old Kilkenny Review 1992).

We cannot confirm whether or not any restoration has been carried out on the original and therefore cannot confirm what the cost might have been. Please note, Fr. Michael McGrath was Parish Priest of St. Canice’s Roman Catholic Church. He was not connected to St. Canice’s Cathedral.

This is a mosaic representation of the cloth original of the banner which was found hidden between the walls in Rothe House, Kilkenny, the figures represent the Holy Trinity with Kilkenny Castle in the foreground. The mosaic was completed for the Kilkenny Arts Festival 2002.

This sculpture represents the fusion of colours in the universe showing how they differ but at the same time creating truly equal beauty.

My original idea for ‘Fusion was to somehow amalgamate all of the colours in the universe, something I knew could only work with Venetian smalti, starting on the base oval ring earth tones right through to the comet on the tip. From every angle there is a different explosion of colours, bringing together the Orbital Fusion.

Smalti could only be used on this project, the dazzling array of colours that smalti bring make the sculpture really come alive.

Artist: Colette O’Brien

Artist: Colette O’Brien
Date: 2007

Artist: Colette O’Brien

Artist: Colette O’Brien

Size: 36″ * 30″
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Date: 2004
Artist: John Walsh

The light was going down very quickly on the evening I painted this piece giving a strange luminous effect.

Based on Serge Mendjisky’s painting in oil.

Size: 61cm x 61cm
Medium: Vitreous glass, cinca ceramic
Date: 2003
Artist: Colette O’Brien

Table top of table, ‘L’Automne’

Artist: Colette O’Brien