cruach
carbon steel
Cruach is a rolled and curved steel element that suggests a technical or military function. It references the fortress like structures and fences found in Northern Ireland which still surround many of the police stations and other public buildings despite the peace agreements. Its semi-circular shape. The surface finish of the rolled steel provides additional ‘hardness’. This hardness serves a dual purpose that is both aggressive and defensive. Behind it the viewer feels encompassed and protected, whilst viewing it from the front the slots appear like an object of surveillance or voyeuristic spy holes and it is immediately aggressive.
The process involved experimentation with plasma cutting prior to rolling. The cut slots and blue hue of the molten steel create a hewn texture and add to the nature of the piece and its sinister appearance. As the steel was rolled it began to resemble an African mask, burka or a medieval shield.