Eilis O'Connell

b. 1953

Eilis O’Connell’s work explores a wide range of materials and processes. She hoards found objects such as discarded agricultural tools and dairy vessels, which may eventually find their way into her sculpture or become an inspiration for a form or texture. The vast array of materials she uses, from stone and rubber to steel cord, sheet metals, glass and plaster, make strong organic and natural forms. Her sculptures have beginnings that may be vast in scope or alternatively stem from a pinpoint in the landscape. Archaeology, architecture and geometry are also constant inspirations.

O’Connell was born in Derry, Northern Ireland and studied at Crawford School of Art, Cork and Massachusetts College of Art, Boston. Although O’Connell has exhibtied widely, with numerous solo and group shows since the early 1970s, she has largely built up her career through a series of public commissions and her work can be seen at Cardiff Bay, Newcastle City Council, Lapp’s Quay, Cork and Canary Wharf amongst others. The distinctive sense of place that manifests itself in her work may well be a contributing factor to her success in this area and she has received numerous awards and residencies from organisations across the globe.