Mark Sanger: 'The Wall' Part 2

Things are hectic here with work and not much time to blog, but 'The Wall' event was such a great experience it would be a shame for me not to finish what I started.

After the field trip and the inspiration it instilled in us all it was full ahead as their was a mountain of work in front of us.

Although we knew we had to produce a walland that it had to reflect Ireland, until this time we had been working in isolation within our own workshops, researching and gathering ideas for the wall, but somehow it had to all fit together. The task now was to produce a coherent design to fit all of our ideas into, while producing an effective uncluttered end works. Some ideas would need to be discarded, some altered and some added anew. We all agreed to from day one was that any 'egos' we may have were out and we all would work as a team to produce the best from the group as a whole. If this meant dropping an idea then it was dropped without upset and I can say without hesitation that all present were consummate professionals with the week and project running smoothly, I came across only fun, sharing people.

We didn't really know how the wall was going to look, how it would be physically assembled or what art would or would not work within it. At the beginning I think there was some apprehension as to if we would could pull it off, but with such a broad range of highly skilled and creative people how could it fail.? !! At least this is what I kept telling myself throughout the week, and this soon became apparent as we progressed.

One of the many discussions that had to be conducted by Terry to make sure everything was working as one.

First we needed an idea of scale and design.

Then discussions about ideas and solutions. Myself and Sharon Doughtie musing over the storyboard which was organised by Brendan Hogg , and was a vital part of the process for us to dip into. We all brought along something for the storyboard and added to it through the week.

Everyone shared their methods and skills openly in the spirit of a true collaboration. Jacques Vesery discussing painting techniques best suited for the task.

Now before we go any further, it should be pointed out that none of this would have been possible without the support and dedication from Cornelia and the team, who were based in the heart of the engine room. The ladies provided us twice a day with the most delicious meals, both for us carnivores and just as delicious meals for the vegetarians, I know as I smiled nicely and often managed to sample some of the vege meals. :-)

Without fail we were provided with the most amazing home cooked meals. Thank you ladies very much, it wouldn't have happened without you for sure. An army marches on its stomach.

The wood was cut, and shaped and the whole place buzzed.

Glenn and the owner, Jim, owner of the saw mill where the wood was sourced for our project.

Graiguecullen Sawmill

Slabs first cut

Then we need a break, Emmet Kane and Liam O'Neill

worked like North American loggers, both great characters whose company I enjoyed very much.

Liam Flynn and those trained with the chain saws continued with the main cutting.

Then each section was shaped and finished

Some were textured and coloured and some left natural, all finally taken through to Hogg and Son's the wall builders. Who again worked tirelessly and had a most difficult of task fitting all of the stones together.

And slowly the wall started to grow

Then there was more cutting, carving, shaping, painting

We all got involved in the various tasks, all except building the wall as Hogg and Son's had a handle on the whole process, and besides they had a diplomatic way of telling us to kindly go away and leave them to it. :-)

And slowly the wall grew.

Then it was all off to the pub to enjoy some Guinness and Irish music. Unfortunately the pub was less than 1/4 a mile from where I was staying, a real hardship.

Apologies for the poor quality pictures, these were taken from my mobile phone camera.

Many of our group joined in taking turns to sing and play instruments. I have to say there was a lot of talent in the group. The chap with his back to us with the guitar is Liam O'Neill, a dap at the guitar and singing Irish folk music. A wonderful evening.