Sculptor David Mach has described his latest artwork erected in Kirkcaldy as an “ugly, hard-ass brute”.
The Methil-born artist, who lives in London, is nevertheless very happy with the piece, entitled Phantom, which he said reflected the direct nature of Fifers.
Mach was commissioned to create a public artwork by Morrisons when it built its new shop in the town.
The 30ft piece of carved driftwood, embellished with more than a million nails, was finally put in place at the entrance to the supermarket at the western end of the Esplanade at the end of last week.
Turner Prize-nominee Mach told The Courier: “It’s the ugliest thing I have ever done I think it’s a brute but I like it a lot.
“It’s really rugged, it talks about Fife in a funny kind of way.
“It’s very direct in the same way that Fifers are.”
Describing it as a “hard-ass bit of sculpture”, he added: “It’s not a sweet little thing to stick at the end of the prom.”
Mach, who learned his trade at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art in Dundee, said the sculpture, his first outdoor piece in Fife, was a significant work for him and was crafted from driftwood he collected on the beach between Leven and Largo.
He added: “People will ask ‘what is it supposed to be?’ but it’s not supposed to be anything.
“It is what it is it’s abstract.”
Since it was installed, Mach said the only feedback he had received was from someone who complained the council could not afford to lift bins more regularly but was paying for public art.
He said: “Fife is a hard place to please. I’ve lived away from Fife for 35 years but it’s still in me.”
The sculpture was one of two pieces commissioned by Morrisons.
Lara Greene’s creation on the boundary wall of the store reflects the town’s maritime and weaving heritage.