Aileen Wave Sculpture

Inspired by the legendary wave that crashes against the Cliffs of Moher, Aileen is a tribute to one of nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena. Known as the largest and most famous wave on the west coast of Ireland, Aileen stands as a symbol of the untamed beauty and raw power of the Atlantic Ocean.

At the heart of this glass wave, an image of the renowned Irish surfer John McCarthy is captured within the swirling glass. This central element brings the viewer into the moment of a surfer's dance with the wave, embodying the courage and skill required to ride such a formidable force of nature. McCarthy’s figure, encapsulated in the wave, symbolises the deep connection between man and the ocean, and the respect that the wave commands.

Each piece of glass was carefully fired in a kiln, resulting in a fluid, organic form that mirrors the natural curves and crests of a wave. The sculpture is anchored on a hand-forged wrought iron celtic base made locally in Connemara.

My inspiration for this piece comes from John McCarthy, the renowned Irish surfer who has braved the might of Aileen. His connection to the wave, his courage, and his deep respect for the ocean inspired me to capture the spirit of Aileen in glass. This sculpture is not just a representation of a wave, but a homage to the fearless surfers who ride it and the wild, untamed nature of Ireland’s Atlantic coast.