The Stones of the Hollow Hill, Kerdiffstown Park.
Join artist James Winnett as he tells the story of the Stones of the Hollow Hill, a new public artwork for Kerdiffstown Park near Naas. James will share the inspiration behind the work, insights into the carving process and how the discovery of a Brigid's Day solar alignment sparked the idea for the project.
The Stones of the Hollow Hill are a series of 18 carved stones by artist James Winnett that can be found at Kerdiffstown Park near Naas. The carvings tell a story that draws on Irish mythology, the folklore of the surrounding landscape and the recent history of Kerdiffstown landfill.
The tale involves two heroic figures named Brigid and Fionn who set out on an epic quest to recover a stolen fire. The character of Brigid references traditions associated with both Brigid the goddess of pre-Christian Ireland and Saint Brigid. The character of Fionn draws on the stories of Fionn Mac Cumhaill, the great warrior of Irish mythology who is said to have lived nearby on the Hill of Allen.
The carvings tell of Brigid and Fionn’s journey through a changing landscape while also references the 2011 fire at the site which burnt underground for a month as well as broader themes around waste, climate crisis and healing.
The project was commissioned under the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage Per Cent for Art scheme, with additional funding from Kildare County Council for the Kerdiffstown Landfill Remediation Project.
James Winnett is an artist, stone carver and workshop leader interested in the crossovers between sculpture, archaeology, folklore, place and memory.
https://kildarecoco.ie/AllServices/KerdiffstownPark/ArtTrail/
https://axisweb.org/artist/jameswinnett
Click here to book a free place: Free Admission – The Stones of the Hollow Hill, Kerdiffstown Park – Naas Library and Cultural Centre