Irish harbour art inspired by the picturesque harbour at Kinvara, on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. This original felt landscape artwork by Yorkshire felt artist Janine Jacques captures the peaceful beauty of Galway Hooker boats resting in the harbour, celebrating Ireland’s rich maritime heritage through layers of merino wool and mixed fibres.
MEDIUM Original felt landscape artwork created using merino wool and mixed fibres
STYLE Irish harbour art
LOCATION Kinvara Harbour, Galway Bay, Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
SUBJECT Traditional Galway Hooker boats with their distinctive red sails moored in the harbour
Three sailing boats still for the night in Kinvara harbour as the sun was setting.
We were at the Cruinniunam Bad Festival held every year in Kinvara, Ireland to celebrate these beautiful boats.
We were lucky enough that our appartment over looked the harbour so we were able to watch this amazing sunset, our day was coming to an end. Kids in bed, it was our time to relax.
With dark and stormy skies above,
The boats with the red sails, so loved.
Watched by those upon the shore,
Racing as someone keeps the score.
Tree bark and butter, mixed with care,
Create the bright red sails so rare.
Weatherproofing at its best,
A treasured heritage to be blessed.
These Irish boats, through all the years,
Come together to be cheered.
Once a year, a celebration and a race,
These Galway Hookers show such grace.
Galway Hookers are traditional fishing boats from Galway Bay, instantly recognised by their distinctive crimson sails. Traditionally, the sails were made from calico and weatherproofed using a mixture made from tree bark, or sometimes tar and butter. This process, known as “barking the sails,” gave them their rich red colour.
Today, these beautiful boats are still celebrated during annual festivals and regattas, where they once again sail and race across Kinvara Bay, preserving an important part of Ireland’s maritime heritage.
MEDIUM Original felt landscape artwork : 30cm (H) x 30cm (W).
MATERIALS Merino wool and mixed fibres
PRESENTATION Professionally framed – attached to a piece of acid free mount board and framed in a white frame with a white wooden mount, with museum quality glass.
FRAME SIZE: 48x48cm
Each felt artwork is individually handmade, making every piece completely unique.
Colours and tones may vary slightly from those shown on screen.
I can only sell framed to UK customers only due to the cost of postage abroad.
Drawing on my degree in Fine Art, I use merino wool in lots of different colours (as you would tubes of paint) and lay out the loose fibres of different coloured wool onto my base (as you would paint on canvas).
Once finished the next stage is to make these loose fibres of wool stick together using the ‘wet felting’ technique to make the wool painting into a piece of felt. You do this by adding hot soapy water and friction. The hot water opens up the wools scales and the friction (rubbing/rolling) binds them together. During this process the wool shrinks by about 15-20% and you end up with one piece of felt material.
Once the felted picture is dry I needle felt into the piece to sharpen some of the details.
The final felt art is attached to a piece of acid free mount board and framed as seen.
Click here to read more about the process.
This original Irish harbour artwork would make a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves Ireland, Galway Bay, the Wild Atlantic Way or traditional maritime heritage. It is an ideal gift for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, housewarmings or simply as a lasting reminder of a memorable visit to Ireland.
Your original artwork will be carefully packaged with card and bubble wrap to ensure it arrives safely.
UK Royal Mail Tracked 24 service
INTERNATIONAL Tracked and signed for service
If you have any problems at check out on your mobile phone – please try your computer instead. If you can’t order via your computer please cotact me and let me know. I will then help you with your purchase. Thank you Janine.
