by leonard sheil
Mixed media-watercolour,emulsion,oil,pencil
h: 150 w: 300 (cms).
The title comes from the John Martyn song of the same name,although has no direct connection with the lyrics or motives behind Martyn's superb music.
A Harbour is what a safe sanctuary represents a place of security and solidity.Asylum Harbour was the original name give to Dun Laoghaire harbour,lying on the Southernmost shore of Dublin Bay, Ireland.Construction began in 1842, 11.2km from Dublin city.
Its two breakwaters, known as the East Pier and West Pier and are 1,290 metres and 1,548 metres in length respectively. It has an enclosed water area of approximately 215 acres. It has its own identity and character that is distinct from the rest of the town. Its character is derived from its form,material uses,sounds and smells. The form of the harbour is generated by its two huge arms and sheer mass,which encloses a great expanse of water.The strongest aspect is this spatial quality that overcomes its mass,rather than gravity or space.
Over time it has had a number of transformations,that have not just changed its physicality,but its purpose and meaning. It has become disconnected,the purpose for which Dun Laoghaire Harbour was built is no longer required. Any hope rests, in projects that can take advantage of the giant structure original intention.
It was the starting point of a first voyage to Scotland and the outer Hebredies in 1976 and then another journey North around the Orkneys in the mid 90’s. Both on small boats,so exposed to the wild coastline of the Western Isles and its rugged beauty. Or as the ancients referred to it as Ultima Thule- the limit of any journey.