Figurative Sculpture
Marie Smith is a contemporary Irish sculptor who creates representational figurative sculpture exploring the endless expressive possibilities of the human form. Working in bronze, ceramic and Jesmonite, her sculptures are first modelled in clay or wax, often created directly from the life model during extended studio sessions. Through careful observation and sensitive modelling, Smith’s figurative sculpture captures gesture, balance and the quiet presence of the human body, continuing the long tradition of figurative sculpture while bringing a contemporary sensibility to the work.
Life drawing forms an essential part of Marie Smith’s sculptural practice. Over many years she has extensively studied both the male and female form through life drawing sessions and anatomical studies. She has attended life drawing sessions at the Royal Hibernian Academy in Dublin and has undertaken anatomical studies at the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin to deepen her understanding of the body’s structure and movement.
While living in Paris, Marie studied life drawing at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts as well as at several independent ateliers across the city. During this time she also spent countless hours drawing at the Louvre, particularly in the French sculpture galleries, studying historic masterpieces of figurative sculpture. She was also a regular participant in life modelling sessions at the Atelier Legendre and Atelier Saint-Fargeau, where she developed her passion for creating figurative sculpture directly from the life model. These long observational sessions allow her to explore posture, weight and subtle gesture within the human figure. This ongoing commitment to drawing and working from life remains central to her studio practice today, informing her sculptures with a deep understanding of anatomy, form and gesture. Through this process, Marie Smith continues to develop expressive and carefully observed figurative sculpture that celebrates the beauty, strength and vulnerability of the human body.
