bronze sculpture

THIS TIME I USED A FUJI GFX100RF

I photographed this four times. First time was with a Sony A1 Mk2 combined with a Sony 70-200mm F4 GII and the images were very good. A few days later and the images were much better I used a Sony A7RV and the 28-70mm lens F2, which some have told me does not exist, and it produced the best images as it is the only one that makes it obvious that the sculpture is made of glass. The last session gave me the opportunity to try the Fuji GFX100RF.

Mercè Canadell: A Catalan Sculptor’s Journey in Ireland

Mercè Canadell is a distinguished Barcelona-born, Dublin-based sculptor whose work is characterised by its exploration of figurative and abstract forms across a diverse range of materials. Her career is marked by a deep engagement with the natural world, the human condition, and a continuous evolution of technique and artistic expression. Having established a significant presence in the Irish art scene, Canadell’s work demonstrates a unique blend of her Catalan heritage and her experiences in Ireland.

Early Career and Artistic Foundations

Canadell’s artistic journey began in her native Barcelona, where she undertook formal training in Ceramics and Sculpture at the prestigious Massana School of Art & Design from 1990 to 1993. This foundational education provided her with a strong technical grounding and a deep appreciation for a variety of materials and techniques. Her early career in Spain saw her developing her skills in mould making, sculptural ceramics, carved wood, and painted textiles. A significant aspect of her artistic development during this period was her work with metal and bronze casting, skills she honed in both Barcelona and later in Dublin.

Relocation to Ireland and Evolving Practice

In 2002, Canadell relocated to Ireland, a move that would profoundly influence her artistic practice. While she continued to work with the materials she had mastered in Spain, her new environment provided fresh inspiration. A pivotal moment in her artistic development came with her encounter with the work of Irish painter Jack B. Yeats. His expressive depictions of horses captivated her, leading to the horse becoming a central and recurring theme in her own sculpture. This motif allows her to explore cultural representations of the animal across various traditions, from Spanish and Irish to Greek and Arab.

Canadell’s work is not limited to a single medium; she is a versatile artist who enjoys the challenge of working across different materials, including bronze, ceramics, and more recently, kiln-formed glass. Her sculptures are predominantly figurative, though she embraces abstraction as her creative process unfolds. This flexibility allows her to create unique and original pieces that are a testament to her technical skill and artistic vision.

Themes and Artistic Philosophy

At the core of Canadell’s artistic practice is a process of self-reflexion and a desire for conscious and spiritual evolution. Her work often explores the intricate connection between the natural world and the human form. She has stated that when her sculptures are placed in a natural setting, such as the Botanic Gardens for the “Sculpture in Context” exhibition, they absorb a sense of life and convey a fundamental human presence.

In a series of ceramic sculptures inspired by Arctic foxes, Canadell addresses the pressing issue of global warming and its impact on the planet’s polar regions. This body of work highlights her ability to engage with contemporary concerns through her art. Another significant series, “Evolving Shape,” consists of unique bronze pieces that explore concepts of strength, vulnerability, and movement.

Exhibitions and Recognition

Throughout her career, Mercè Canadell has exhibited her work extensively in galleries across Ireland and in her native Spain. She has been a regular participant in the prestigious “Sculpture in Context” exhibition held at the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin, where her work has been well-received. Her sculptures have also been featured in numerous group and solo shows at venues such as The Kildare Gallery, Mill Cove Gallery, and Zozimus Gallery. Her work has also been sold at auction, indicating a recognised market for her sculptures.

Mercè Canadell’s career is a testament to her dedication to her craft and her ability to adapt and evolve as an artist. Her journey from Barcelona to Dublin has enriched her artistic voice, resulting in a body of work that is both technically accomplished and thematically resonant.