29/05/2026
Terra Marique Potens. I created this temporary Sand Art Memorial to Grace O’Malley on Silver Strand in Dugort on Achill Island, County Mayo. It was carved into the soggy sand with a hand drawn plough just as the tide dropped and the sun set behind Sliabh Mór. It is part of a series of artworks I created on the island during my artist-in-residency with the Great O'Malley Festival, thanks to Circus250, The The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon, Arts Office and Mayo County Council.
“Terra Marique Potens” is latin motto carved into the O'Malley tomb at the Cistercian Abbey on Clare Island meaning "Powerful by Land and Sea". This is rumoured to be the burial site of the Pirate Queen, Grace O'Malley, although there is no clear evidence of this. The tomb also features a carved boar, ship, longbow and horse.
I had difficulties throughout my week-long stay capturing the essence of Grace including a sand art portrait that was hampered by a sandstorm! I was beginning to believe that the elusive Grace O'Malley didn't want to be captured! So in the end, on the final night, I was thankful to be able to create this tribute.
The dropping tide and fading light determined that I only had 90 minutes to create the artwork despite spending most of the day planning it. Since there are no records of her actual funeral, I imagined that perhaps she decided to have a ceremony at sea. So the design I have created is an abstract representation of a funeral pyre, a ship set on fire as a fiery farewell. I also like the idea that her flowing hair is represented in these flames. Since nobody actually knows what she looked like her anonymity remains intact in this depiction.
Grace O'Malley was a real person who lived a remarkable life, 500 years ago. She was bold, courageous and determined. I hope that when it comes time for her story to be told globally that she is represented in a genuine and unclichéd way. There are already enough pirate stereotypes in movies!
Thanks so much to all the festival crew and to all to people I encountered throughout the week. Achill is immense, magical and untameable. I’ll be back! Music in this film is Kayak, The Grey Room, Density & Time.
