VOYAGER’S 20 YEARS OVERLOOKING THE SEA AT LAYTOWN

WHEN the ‘Voyager’ first appeared on the side of the street in L aytown 20 years ago this month, it sparked quite a debate. There was a myriad of names for the piece ranging from ‘ The Lady of the Sea’ to ‘Inse’. Locals raved about the sculpture for weeks claiming the 6 ft bronze lady reminded them of the ‘Little Mermaid’ at the entrance to Copenhagen Harbour. It was agreed the artwork would be called ‘Voyager’ and was inspired by the ocean and all that is in it.

The DI takes up the story...” The artist who designed the stunning bronze piece is Ratoath based Linda Brunker who is highly respected in the world of sculpturing having previously designed pieces for the public park at Laguna Beach, California. Linda said the ocean has inspired her all her life and was delighted to have been commissioned by Meath County Council to design the ‘ Voyager’ sculpture. ‘Over the past few years I made a series of sculptures that have been inspired by the ocean. ‘1 have always come to the beach at Laytown to collect elements to incorporate into these works. ‘ These include shells, seaweed and other items,’ said Linda.

Discussing her other art works, the Ratoath woman revealed that some of her pieces have ended up in the Western United Slates. ‘ These sculptures have gone to the other side of the world namely Ohio, Los Angeles and I’ve recently finished installing one overlooking the Pacific California,’ she said. ‘I brought the sculpture that I made for Los Angeles to Laytown Beach tc photograph it before it went abroad and though how wonderful it looked in the place that inspired it. ‘I wanted to make a sculpture for this location for some time and I’m delighted that this opportunity has arisen,’ she added, ‘Voyager’ said Linda, ‘is inspired by the sea and the myriad of life is contained within it. ‘It reflects the draw that people feel toward the ocean and the healing effect it has on us,’ Linda added. ‘

She is in a lively and uplifting spot and should be easily recognisable a distance. ‘ The closer the viewer gets the more they will see the details like fish, seaweed, starfish and shells,’ she added, Linda revealed that the moulds of sea creatures found on Laytown beach have been used to decorate ‘ Voyager’

“The figure will stand on a base clad with rounded stones, hopefully from Laytown, to echo the beach. ‘ Coupled with the above there will be some bronze elements in the base namely fish and starfish,’ she added.

Great to see the Voyager still a focal point around the area.