TOE IN THE WATER BY BOB QUINN
TOE IN THE WATER BY BOB QUINN [SCULPTURE IN CONTEXT 2013]
I have managed to recover files from some very old disks and am now repairing or restoring images from the Sculpture In Context 2013 Exhibition but it is not so easy to identify the sculpture or the sculptor as I had hoped.
Dublin-Born Sculptor Bob Quinn: A Career Forged in Bronze and Narrative
Bob Quinn, a distinguished Irish sculptor born in Dublin in 1948, has carved a significant niche in the world of figurative art. Following a successful career in the advertising industry as a commercial artist and designer, Quinn transitioned to a full-time sculptor in 2002. Working primarily in bronze, his art is a celebration of the human form and the nuanced stories embedded in ordinary life. His sculptures are held in numerous private and public collections across Ireland and the United Kingdom.
Quinn's artistic style is deeply rooted in expressionism, with a profound understanding of anatomy that allows him to abstract and manipulate the human figure to convey emotion and narrative. His work is often described as a poignant exploration of the "drama and nobility in the most ordinary of human activity," capturing moments of sadness, humour, and joy. He cites a diverse range of artistic influences, including the masterful sculptors Auguste Rodin, Jacob Epstein, and Alberto Giacometti, as well as painters Jean-François Millet and Edgar Degas.
The creative process for Quinn is a traditional and meticulous journey. He begins with preparatory sketches, developing them into wax or clay originals. He then personally undertakes the demanding process of creating his own moulds and seeing the sculpture through the long casting and patination procedures to its final, permanent bronze form. This hands-on approach imbues his work with a tangible sense of the artist's touch.
A recurring theme in Quinn's oeuvre is the strength and resilience of the human spirit, a focus exemplified in his 2011 solo exhibition, "Strong Women," held at the Solomon Fine Art gallery in Dublin. Several of his notable sculptures delve into the subtleties of human experience. For instance, 'The Letter' depicts a figure whose expression of determination and stoicism is more significant than the unknown contents of the letter she holds. 'Mantle' portrays the quiet nobility of a countrywoman caring for her ducks, while 'Working Mother' captures the dual responsibilities of a young busker protecting her child while earning a living. His large-scale commissioned work, 'Fishermen,' for a private residence in the West of Ireland, acts as a powerful metaphor for hard-earned rest and the rewards of labour. Another significant public work is 'Moving Forward,' located at the Chase Building in Dublin.
Throughout his career, Bob Quinn has been a regular contributor to various group exhibitions, including the prestigious Royal Hibernian Academy's annual exhibition. His work has been showcased in numerous galleries, such as the Gormleys Fine Art in Dublin and Belfast, The Kildare Gallery, and the Greenlane Gallery in Dingle. His sculptures have been acquired for several prominent public and corporate collections, including those of Westmeath County Council, the National Stud in Kildare, City West Business Park, the KPMG Collection, and Allied Irish Bank.
I have managed to recover files from some very old disks and am now repairing or restoring images from the Sculpture In Context 2013 Exhibition but it is not so easy to identify the sculpture or the sculptor as I had hoped.
Dublin-Born Sculptor Bob Quinn: A Career Forged in Bronze and Narrative
Bob Quinn, a distinguished Irish sculptor born in Dublin in 1948, has carved a significant niche in the world of figurative art. Following a successful career in the advertising industry as a commercial artist and designer, Quinn transitioned to a full-time sculptor in 2002. Working primarily in bronze, his art is a celebration of the human form and the nuanced stories embedded in ordinary life. His sculptures are held in numerous private and public collections across Ireland and the United Kingdom.
Quinn's artistic style is deeply rooted in expressionism, with a profound understanding of anatomy that allows him to abstract and manipulate the human figure to convey emotion and narrative. His work is often described as a poignant exploration of the "drama and nobility in the most ordinary of human activity," capturing moments of sadness, humour, and joy. He cites a diverse range of artistic influences, including the masterful sculptors Auguste Rodin, Jacob Epstein, and Alberto Giacometti, as well as painters Jean-François Millet and Edgar Degas.
The creative process for Quinn is a traditional and meticulous journey. He begins with preparatory sketches, developing them into wax or clay originals. He then personally undertakes the demanding process of creating his own moulds and seeing the sculpture through the long casting and patination procedures to its final, permanent bronze form. This hands-on approach imbues his work with a tangible sense of the artist's touch.
A recurring theme in Quinn's oeuvre is the strength and resilience of the human spirit, a focus exemplified in his 2011 solo exhibition, "Strong Women," held at the Solomon Fine Art gallery in Dublin. Several of his notable sculptures delve into the subtleties of human experience. For instance, 'The Letter' depicts a figure whose expression of determination and stoicism is more significant than the unknown contents of the letter she holds. 'Mantle' portrays the quiet nobility of a countrywoman caring for her ducks, while 'Working Mother' captures the dual responsibilities of a young busker protecting her child while earning a living. His large-scale commissioned work, 'Fishermen,' for a private residence in the West of Ireland, acts as a powerful metaphor for hard-earned rest and the rewards of labour. Another significant public work is 'Moving Forward,' located at the Chase Building in Dublin.
Throughout his career, Bob Quinn has been a regular contributor to various group exhibitions, including the prestigious Royal Hibernian Academy's annual exhibition. His work has been showcased in numerous galleries, such as the Gormleys Fine Art in Dublin and Belfast, The Kildare Gallery, and the Greenlane Gallery in Dingle. His sculptures have been acquired for several prominent public and corporate collections, including those of Westmeath County Council, the National Stud in Kildare, City West Business Park, the KPMG Collection, and Allied Irish Bank.