Fothrach - ruin - Handcrafted Bog Oak sculpture from Galway
Fothrach - ruin - Handcrafted Bog Oak sculpture from Galway
Crafted from ancient Irish bog oak sourced near Athenry, Co.Galway and preserved in the earth for millennia, “Fothrach” (ruin) embodies the quiet dignity of what remains after time has passed. Its darkened grain, natural fractures, and weathered contours echo the crumbling edges of forgotten structures—places where stones once stood strong and stories once lived.
The sculpture’s form captures that moment between decay and endurance, where beauty is found not in perfection but in what time chooses to leave behind. A one-of-a-kind piece rooted in Ireland’s history and landscape, “Fothrach” invites reflection on memory, loss, and the enduring strength hidden within ruins. The stream of silver running down the crumbling wall brining light and hope.
Materials used: Irish bog oak, silver leaf
The total height of sculpture is 13cm/5".
Shipping is to Ireland only currently but please contact me if you would like it sent abroad and I will look at available options for you of course.
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What is this bog oak and is it old?
Irish bog oak is a type of wood that comes from oak trees that have been preserved in the peat bogs of Ireland for thousands of years. I estimate the wood I use to between 3 and 6 thousand years old!! The anaerobic environment of the bog prevents the normal decay process, allowing the oak wood to be preserved intact. The preservation process makes bog oak particularly dense and stable, which contributes to its durability and suitability.
Why do you do this?
Growing up in the wilds of the west of Ireland surrounded by this wonderful material and being exposed to alternative lifestyles has left an impact on me. I am going back to a time of my youth when everything was so much more relaxed and simpler. The process of creating these pieces is a form of meditation.
Also, my father used to make fantastic and crazy sculptures out of bog oak and other woods. I guess now that he has passed I am continuing what he started in a way.
How do I care for the jewellery?
To get the most out of your jewellery we recommend that you handle it with care - some pieces can be fragile. Please also keep it away from water and dampness if possible and store it in a dry place. Sharp objects or surfaces can mark them. We finish the jewellery with some linseed oil and if the item has lost some of its spark you can use this or similar to freshen up the colours. Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth and do not use harsh chemicals or cleaners, as they can damage the finish of the wood.