‘The North Laurel’

Presented to principal, Mr. Pat Curran, of St. Angela’s College, by the Cork Ursulines Past Pupils’ Union - May 2019

Commission Specifications

The goal was to create a piece that would recognise the support from and continued involvement of the past pupils from St. Angela’s College and St. Ursuline’s in the present day. The painting is representative of the passage of time from the beginnings of St. Angela’s College on Patrick’s Hill, through its physical renovation, and the growth and diversity of the students collectively. This artwork incorporates the motif of a laurel tree, taken from the Ursuline’s crest, alongside other symbols that illustrate, the past, present, and future of, St. Angela’s College.

Medium - Oil on canvas 

Dimensions - 1 x 1.2 m 

Date - May 2019

The North Laurel symbolises St. Angela’s College, standing atop a hill with panoramic views of Cork city below. Against a backdrop of an amber sky, the tree begins its journey within a kaleidoscope of coloured roots. Nestling in a bed of fertile grass, shamrocks, and wild French iris, the tree blossoms into a luscious green canopy bearing many fruit and flowers. At the centre, an eight-pointed star, sends out golden light in all directions.

Cork City

Bathed in the glow of an amber sky, two well-loved Cork landmarks make themselves known. Shandon Tower and The North Cathedral. Both can be seen from the stairwell within the school which has a breathtaking view from St. Patrick’s Hill

Amber Sky

The North Laurel is illuminated by the bright amber sky that surrounds it. This signifies the work of the current student body on mental health awareness, with the “amber flag’ project. 

Mindfulness. Kindness. Solidarity.

Roots

The old made way for the new, in a huge renovation project which metamorphosised St. Angela’s College. The roots represent those who have laid the foundations for the school both literally and figuratively. The glowing colours are an homage to the stained glass of the original convent.

The ‘stained glass’ roots represent the support of, and, continued involvement of the PPU in present day St. Angelas College.

Fleur-de-lis

The Ursulines had their beginnings in France before coming to Ireland. The iris is the national flower of France and is represented as a fleur-de-lis emblem (symbol of the French monarchy) in the Ursuline crest. The wild French iris is painted at the base of the tree, illustrating how its distinctive shape was adapted into the fleur-de-lis symbol.

Shamrocks & Grass

Grass is symbolic of a vast system of inter-connectivity. The shamrocks represent our Irish heritage, also standing for the Holy Trinity of faith, hope and love.

Fruits & Flowers

The fruits and flowers of the laurus nobilis, represent the gifts, talents and diversity of the students. All being present at once on the tree, marks the passing of time, and the growth of the individual blossoming through many seasons.

Canopy

The current student body uses the motto ‘Living the Green’ 

The tree canopy represents the student body, side by side, with all leaves being unique and individual, working independently and collectively.

Star

The eight-pointed star, references the motto of the school crest,

“Qui ad justitiam erudiunt multos fulgebunt quasi stellae in perpetuas aeternitates”

Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever.

Arrow

The arrow in the trunk of the tree is symbolic of the martyrdom of St. Ursula and the sacrifices made by those who have come before us,  for our freedom and education.