Sculpture "Running the Lines"

Image: © P Flannagan Taken: 8 Oct 2008

Art in the Wetlands is a visionary project conceived by South Lough Neagh Regeneration Association. Four artists have been commissioned to create public artworks based on the culture traditions rooted in South Lough Neagh Wetlands sited along Route 94 of the National Cycle Network between Maghery and Aghagallon. For centuries, eels have been caught in the lough using long lines with around fifteen hundred of individually baited hooks. "Running the Lines" involved checking and repairing damaged butts, taffs, and hooks and laying the lines back into their wooden boxes so that they run smoothly from the back of the boat during the next setting. "Running the Lines" is an attempt to show the contrast, between the passion and joy that exists for the cultural tradition - eel fishing and the persecution felt by the fisherman. The "lines" on the sculpture are manipulated in such a manner, that we see the weight of the exterior forces that are beyond his control; that tear at his sense of belonging, at his culture and at the community he works and lives in. The very thing that gives him joy and pride is the thing that is being torn from him. This sculpture, by Eamonn Higgins is made from recycled stainless steel, using a combination of traditional blacksmithing, modern fabrication and casting techniques.

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