header-bg.png

River Dog Studios


Willow sculpture, environmental art & installation

Creating large-scale sculpture rooted in landscape, mythology and our relationship with the natural world.

Visual Artists Ireland - Professional Member

Large -scale sculpture rooted in landscape, story and the natural world.

Large-scale woven willow Cailleach sculpture by Kerry artist Phil McSweeney at Tralee Bay Wetlands
King of the Hill, a woven willow goat sculpture created for Puck Fair in Killorglin, County Kerry

Photography: Dave Ryan Media

Herbivorous Salix – The Gentle Giant, a woven willow sculpture by Kerry artist Phil McSweeney, exhibited in Mary Reynolds’ Garden at the Disaert Garden, Dingle, as part of Féile na Bealtaine

UPCOMING

CLIFDEN ARTS FESTIVAL 2026


17–27 September 2026

Selected/exhibiting artist

The 49th Clifden Arts Festival runs from 17–27 September 2026.

Step into the peaceful surroundings of St. Mary’s Church and Graveyard and experience What Remains, a unique environmental art installation by Kerry sculptor Phil McSweeney.

Over three days, woven sculptural forms will gradually emerge within this beautiful historic setting, inviting visitors to reflect on themes of growth, memory, transformation and our connection to place.

GUARDIANS OF THE WETLANDS

Tralee Bay Wetlands Eco & Activity Park

A large-scale environmental sculpture project celebrating the wildlife and habitats of Tralee Bay. Created through willow sculpture and community participation, the project brings together art, nature and place through a series of sculptural guardians inspired by the wetlands.

Féile Eile

For Féile Eile in Killorglin this October, artist Phil McSweeney will create a large-scale hare effigy woven from willow, drawing on the hare’s deep connection to Irish folklore, landscape and seasonal change. The piece will explore the relationship between the natural world and cultural heritage, creating a striking contemporary sculpture rooted in the traditions and landscape of Killorglin.

WITH THANKS

With thanks to the organisations, funders, commissioners, venues, communities and participants who have supported and contributed to my work.

Have a Project? let’s talk.