Nailed in Copper Faith – A Fusion of Heritage and Spiritual Reflection
Ireland's deep-rooted Christian history stretches back to around 400 AD, when Christian worship first reached the shores of pagan Ireland. Over the centuries, the faith grew and intertwined with the very fabric of Irish culture, leaving an indelible mark on its people, landscape, and art. From the early spread of monastic life to the creation of sacred texts like the Book of Kells, Ireland's artistic heritage was, and still is, heavily influenced by its spiritual traditions. The towering stone crosses found in nearly every county, and treasures like the Ardagh Chalice and the Tara Brooch, are testaments to the intricate connection between Irish faith and craftsmanship.
The period of Insular art, particularly from the 7th to 9th centuries, saw Ireland's metalwork reach new heights, producing some of the most advanced creations in Europe. Techniques introduced through trade with Europe combined with local artistic vision to give birth to timeless masterpieces that still inspire today's artists. My latest sculpture, Nailed in Copper Faith, draws from this rich tradition of Irish metalwork, while also reflecting on the enduring, yet evolving, nature of Irish faith.
The Concept Behind Nailed in Copper Faith
In creating Nailed in Copper Faith, I wanted to represent both the strength and fragility of faith in modern Ireland. The sculpture features a crucifix made from cold, unyielding steel nails, a deliberate symbol of the unwavering resilience of faith that has persisted through centuries of Irish history.
But just as our world changes, so too does the relationship with spirituality. This is where the figure of Christ, hand-shaped from soft, twisting copper wire, comes into play. It represents the wavering obscurity of faith in modern times—a faith that may seem more fragile or ambiguous today than in centuries past, yet still holds form, still carries meaning. The contrasting materials—strong, industrial steel and delicate copper—tell the story of how faith, like metalwork, adapts over time while retaining its core essence.
Inspiration from Ireland’s Metalwork Masterpieces
Ireland has long been a center of artistic innovation, especially in the field of metalwork. The intricate designs and techniques seen in pieces like the Ardagh Chalice and the Tara Brooch set a high bar for craftsmanship in Europe during the Middle Ages. These ancient works of art are the embodiment of technical precision, spiritual devotion, and cultural identity—three principles I strive to capture in my modern pieces.
Nailed in Copper Faith is my tribute to the tradition of Irish metalworking. Although contemporary in execution, it carries the same spirit of innovation and faith that defined Ireland’s past. Just as the ancient craftsmen once worked with delicate tools and bold visions, I worked with fire, steel, and copper to express a deep connection between faith and art—two threads that are woven into the very fabric of Ireland.
Symbolism in the Craft
In this sculpture, each element has its own symbolic weight. The steel nails, welded together to form the cross, are a reminder of the sacrifices made in the name of faith. The careful placement and alignment of each nail during the welding process was a meditative act, symbolizing the deliberate choices we make in life to uphold what we believe in.
The copper figure, on the other hand, is a softer, more malleable representation of faith. Its twisted form reflects the complexity of spiritual belief in our modern world—how it bends and shifts, but never fully breaks.
A Journey Through the Making
As part of the unveiling of Nailed in Copper Faith, I’ve created a two-minute video that takes you through the creation process. You’ll see me as I sign the certificate of authenticity for the first piece in this limited edition series of 33. From there, the video shows the raw materials—nails and copper wire—being meticulously shaped, welded, and assembled into a work of art. It’s a process that draws from Ireland’s ancient traditions, yet is distinctly modern in its expression.
The video also shows the craftsmanship involved in mounting the piece on a beautiful Irish oak base—a material chosen for its historical significance and natural beauty. Each piece in this limited edition is one of a kind, a reflection of both my personal journey as an artist and the enduring legacy of Irish craftsmanship.
A Testament to Enduring Faith
Nailed in Copper Faith stands as a modern tribute to both Ireland’s long-standing Christian tradition and its rich history in metalworking. With only 33 pieces available, this sculpture is not just an art piece—it’s a collector’s item that speaks to those who cherish Irish culture, faith, and the timeless beauty of handcrafted art.
I hope this sculpture invites reflection on how faith—like the materials used in its creation—changes and adapts, but ultimately endures. It’s a piece that I hope will resonate with those who see it, just as the crosses of old Ireland have for centuries.
With faith, culture, and craftsmanship all intertwined, Nailed in Copper Faith is not just a sculpture, but a continuation of Ireland’s artistic legacy, ready to be passed on to those who cherish its enduring story.
Made with love and thought by Ashley Curran.
