The unclassified Eilis O' Connell by Andrew Lambirth 1999

O' Connell's work possesses a visual weight ( of significance rather than tonnage in the smaller pieces ) which operates effectively without being threatening. Her sculpture has that physical presence, which insists that it be, experienced three dimensionally, in the round , not simply viewed pictorially. O' Connell often adds colour to a sculpture, which has the effect of reducing the apparent weight of the material. This can only be intentional. Some of her work looks hefty , some of it light and airy. What seems to be steel may actually be canvas. O' Connell at one moment pursues a stability she is quite prepared to subvert.

She views experiments with new materials as a means of disinterring memories long buried within her. The process of making sculpture is in some positive and potent sense a process of self- discovery, as well as a way of coming to terms with an

understanding of the world. As she has said " What really interest me is that materials somehow work to bring memories up to the surface . These are real memories - they are very specific and they are very private. I don't know how that happens that spark is what fascinates me."

The process is similar to the direct tapping of the subconscious the Surrealists attempted. Its results couldn't be more different.