Description: Brigit spreading her cloak, encapturing land for Sanctuary, lighting the Sacred Flame. Made with willow and wire

Brigit went to the king of Ireland, asking for some land to build a nunnery/ convent. The king refused to give land for such trivial spiritual pursuit. Eventually, the king agreed to give up land which Brigit could cover with her cloak. When Brigit opened up her cloak, it spread for miles, giving Brigit plenty of Kildare land to set up a convent. She lived together with 19 nuns, and they kept a sacred fire burning from 600 to 1300AD, taking it in turns to keep the flame alive.

This story enhances my belief that miracles are not only possible in every moment, but we just have to be alive and be aware, not of the king’s material possessions, but of the magic of Mother Earth to provide.

The sculpture is inspired by one of the first willow sculptures I saw years ago, of a female archer in a woodland, with voluminous dress and beautiful flowing motion.

About Brendan

Brendan Farren is originally from Newtownards, Co. Down, and now lives in Inishowen, Co. Donegal, with his partner and 3 children on a small organic farm. He has been a self-employed artist since 1992. Since 2004 he has grown willow and other natural materials on his land, and uses these materials where possible in his sustainable creations.