Moving from Galway to Longford in 1971 for a teaching position, my love of Bog wood and especially Bog Oak developed and grew. I was introduced to turf cutting and land drainage contractor John Conlon and his wife Una who also hailed from Galway. John sourced and brought to the surface this valuable wood, which my son Brian and I collected, placing it into storage to protect it from wind, rain and light. Owing to the preservation of the bogs, this wood is now very rare.
Retiring from teaching in 2007 I now work full time with this unique wood. A self taught sculptor, in my work I like to incorporate the woods natural imperfections. It is this process of decay that helps me to create my unique and intricate pieces. |