Waiting in Silence for the Knock on the Door

Growing up in Belfast during the Troubles, was for me, a period of frustration, restrictions and the ever-present noise of the army helicopter. The distinctive sounds of the Chinook helicopter/transporters as they ferried troops, supplies and ammunition above our city, created the sound track of my youth. Every movement was observed and all travel monitored by the armed forces. Even within the sanctity of our family home, I felt trapped and watched.

In this work, the blue-black birds represent the silhouettes of the ever present Chinooks, hovering in our oppressive skies. The large ceiling light doubles as a prying spy glass and search light. The seascape refers to the North Coast. The female characters are suspended in time, waiting in silence for bad news.