From the Depth of Time and Sea
To the People of the Sea takes its inspiration from both sails and the sea alike: the iconic Drontheim’s passage rig and sails become a metaphor for the curving surface of the sea; the flapping sails of a jibing yawl metamorph into crests of breaking waves as the bellowing sail canvas is turned into sheets of glistening bronze. The sculpture is a metaphorical vessel for sea-related imagery that offers many angles of interpretation: It suggests a sea crature emerging out of the depth of Irish mythology and awakes associations with prehistoric megaliths brought to this coast by early seafarers. Its vertical surface of an angry ocean is a reminder of legendary voyages that passed through these historic waters while the rich texture and deep blue colour of its surface is a glimpse of the depth of the ocean.
The sculpture is more than just a correct represention of two intrinsically linked subjects of sails and the sea. Unlike the single sheet of a sail or the ocean surface, the work expresses volume, mass, time and form - age-old characteristics of sculpture. Together with the choice of traditonal sculpture materials they give this work a timeless quality.
For more information on the artistic concept, see the Gestalt page of Holger's website.
Location
East Strand is in close proximity to the busy centre of Portrush, providing a spectacular vista for the surrounding buildings of the Eastern part of the town and for the main tourism access route to the town centre from the Causeway coast. Overlooking the Skerries, the setting for the sculpture is more rural and maritime than urban in character. Its proximity to the sea provides an ideal context for the nautical/maritime subject matter which often runs through Holger's work. Scale, texture and imagery of the work invites the local community, visitors and beach users to engage directly with the work.
Specifications
The sculpture is fabricated from two layers of 14 gauge (2mm) sheet bronze (also known as gilding metal, CZ102, CuZn15 or CW503L). The material's low zink content of only 15% eliminates the risk of dezinkification, which occurs in maritime environments. Internal spacers fabricated from 5mm 316L stainless steel create a sturdy, voluminous and sculptural structure. The large sails measure 13ft high x 10ft x 2ft wide (4.00m x 2.90m x 0.60m), overall dimensions are 13ft high x 18ft long x 5ft wide (4.00m x 6.00m x 1.50m wide). Foundation, supports, gaps and the shape of the work are designed to cope with the high dynamic wind loads and vibration at this exposed site. Five heavy-duty Bega 8702 in-ground floodlight luminaires illuminate the work at night (35W power consumption each, compliant with Safety Class III and IP67).