The Obelisk is covered in mosaic to add a splash of vibrant colour to the garden, particularly effective on a dull winter’s day.  There are blocks of dull flat colour, the artist’s intention being to use subtle changes in colour tone to indicate the play of light and to create a more sophisticated story.  The obelisk has a fairytale quality and its main feature is a tree in late spring, representing growth, young life and love of nature.  The tree’s trunk and branches are coloured in golden, copper and silver tones to catch the eye.  Through the tree’s branches the viewer can see the gently rolling hills of Anacarty, livestock in the fields, the castle and local church.  In the foreground there is an eclectic mix of objects and symbols pertinent to Anacarty village – a hurley and ball, a cart (from the name Anacarty), a treasure chest symbolising a time capsule, a book and the Salmon of Knowledge.  Ranged around the design are various native flora and fauna.

The Globe

At the pinnacle of the obelisk is a copper “globe” representing the children of Anacarty’s commitment to their planet.  The globe’s framework is open allowing the viewer to see splashes of BLUE sky, WHITE clouds and GREEN leaves through the warp and weft and between the continents.

The Three Carved Figures

The three figures encircling the obelisk were carved by chainsaw from fallen ash and oak.  They are androgynous “green children”, inspired by the mythical Green Man and are part children and part earth spirits – or trees.  Their heads are shaped like nuts, their limbs are branches and their hands are leaves.  They also represent growth and stages in development.  Some parts of the figures have been left deliberately rough to indicate their “treeness” while other parts have been polished to smoothness like young human beings.

The youngest and smallest has both arms raised above her head.  She is just emerging from her tree roots and opening up to the sun on the obelisk.  But she is still more tree then child; her branch-like arms are quite rough and tree-like.

The second figure has his knee raised and is beginning to shed his tree roots.  He is finding his balance in the earth and wanting to dance with joy.  His limbs are slightly more refined, indicating that he is growing and developing from tree into child.

The third and tallest is more fully human than earth spirit and stands firmly centred in the earth, pointing to his heart, the centre of his being.  His head is tilted slightly back to gaze at the Universe, calmly and confidently.