Instinct
Artist: Rachel Joynt
Location: Ballina Riverside Walkway
Title: Instinct
Medium: Sculpture
Date: April 20th 2013
Materials: bronze, stainless steel, glass
Dimensions: The sculpture is approximately 2 metres long and over a metre wide.
The artist's concept for the sculpture suggests both an enlarged egg and resembles a fishing float, referring to the town's status of Salmon Capital of Ireland. It has been cast in bronze with an off-white patination, with polished bronze detailed highlights. As well as the highly tactile surface, there is a surprise when you look inside a special viewing place in the sculpture, where a Kaleidoscope like effect will appear.
The artist commented that “I am interested in the relationship between angler and the salmon. It is a sport that requires huge dedication, passion and commitment to adhere to conservation measures to protect the life cycle of the salmon. The egg itself is a very powerful, positive symbol associated with new life and potential. It is reflective of the abundance of wildlife and regeneration along the river Moy”.