Help me to take on the competition in '23!!
I entered the Zurich Portrait Prize for the first time in 2022 and I couldn't believe it when my sculpture of "Stephanie" was shortlisted for this prestigious award. Upon seeing my work in The National Gallery of Ireland, I realised that this is the way I want my career to go. I want to be exhibiting and competing with the best of portrait and figurative artists. Making “Stephanie” awakened something in me. It not only reminded me of my absolute love of working with a model but also the delight I get from finding a likeness, and capturing something of the person's spirit.
With this in mind, in March 2023, I will travel to Italy to complete a 10-day portrait sculpture course at the Florence Academy of Art. Working with models, I will make two life-size portrait heads which will be shipped back to Ireland on completion.
I didn't win the Zurich Portrait Prize 2022 but with your support and my hard work, we'll take it on again together in 2023! .... here's how .....
Study at The Florence Academy, Italy
I have been accepted onto the "Sculpting the Portrait From Life" course at the Florence Academy of Art taking place in March / April 2023. This opportunity will change the direction of my career and I hope you will be part of that.
Compete with the best of portrait artists
Having my work exhibited in the National Gallery of Ireland made me more determined to win the Zurich Portrait Prize and to be commissioned to create a sculpture to be a part the National Art Collection of Ireland.
Marie Smith - Award winning sculptor
By purchasing work from me now, you are supporting my career at a crucial stage as well as helping me fulfill my goal of being an award winning Irish sculptor, exhibiting on an international stage.
The Making It All Possible - Studio Clearance Sale
To make space for the new artworks coming back to Ireland from Italy, I need to find homes for some limited edition sculpture, wall art, prints and more! This is your chance to buy a beautiful piece of art for your home or office and at the same time you will be supporting me on my journey to success. If you have had your eye on any of my artworks....now's the time to go for it!
You will receive:
- Significant price reductions on all limited editions
- Secure, tracked shipping worldwide
Free shipping in Ireland & Northern Ireland - Advice on displaying an artwork in your home or workplace
All sales also include:
- Updates and photos from Italy
- Follow my progress at the Florence Academy of Art sculpture studio
- Invitation to a talk and presentation of the finished portraits
Sale ends March 17th 2023
View all artworks here >>
"The Hug" / "Lovebirds"
€45 (was €55)
- Gift-boxed "Hug" or "Lovebirds"
- A special gift for any occassion
- 9 x 10.5 cm approx
Gift-boxed "Hug" - Buy now »
Gift-boxed "Lovebirds" - Buy now »
Hercules on the Pyre - Limited edition print
€55 (was €65)
- When I lived in Paris, I spent countless hours drawing at The Louvre. It is a tradition for artists to draw the works and my favourite place was the French Sculpture Rooms. This is where I drew the marble sculpture by Guillaume 1er Coustou
- A3 size (unframed) Giclee print
- Edition of 50, signed with the edition number
"Lovebirds" - Framed ceramic tile
€65 (was €75)
- Framed ceramic tile with my lovebird design. These are the last of the lovebirds in stock and I will not be making any more. They have been very popular as gifts for engagements, weddings, anniversaries or as something colourful to enjoy in your own home
Ciúnas I / Ciúnas II
€75 each / set of two for €130 (was €150)
- Receive either Ciúnas I, Ciúnas II or the two piece set
- Gift-box dimensions: 20 x 20 x 3cm
- These circular figurative panels are cast in Jesmonite, hand painted and wax finished with a secure hook on the back
- Ciúnas means silent or calm in Irish
The Hug - framed wall art
€150
- "The Hug" has been sent all over the world and means so much to everyone who receives it
- See the RTE News film "Hugs on Hold" below ⇓
The Graces I, II, III
€175 each (was €200)
- These female figures were made originally in modelling wax before being moulded and cast in Jesmonite. They are painted pale green and wax finished
- Three Graces exist now, however I made several of these figures in different poses so your collection could be built upon in the future
- Sizes approx. 15cm high
**NEW** - Blackbird on Ash Branch
**NEW** - Blackbird on Oak Branch
€175 each
- The blackbird is a regular visitor to my garden. Here the bird is shown on native Irish trees, the ash and the oak
- Low relief, cast Jesmonite panel, hand painted and wax finished
- Mounted in a hardwood, ready to hang frame with glass
- 34 x 34 x 4 cm
Blackbird on Ash Branch - Buy now »
Blackbird on Oak Branch - Buy now »
China Girl
€500 (was €650)
- This sculpture was made in Paris when myself and the model were both living there. This contemporary sculpture contains intricate anatomical details and is finished to a high standard. Mounted on a circular base, it is of interest from all angles and would make a lovely centre piece or equally positioned on a shelf or mantle.
- Limited edition of 5, Jesmonite (resin), 19 x 17.5 x 17.5 cm
Amour'd
€600 (was €750)
- Cast bronze armadillo armoured heart which sits in a holder
- Limited edition of 8, Bronze, dimensions – 7 x 12 x 12 cm
- Part of a series along with C.armadillo
Soraya
€650 (was €700)
- Soraya is always a crowd favourite and editions have been exhibited at prestigious venues such as the Royal Hibernian Academy, Society of Portrait Sculptor’s FACE2020 Annual Exhibition – ACS Prize Commended, Le Grand Nu Contest & Centre Culturel Irlandais, Paris
- I made this piece working with the model at the Atelier Legendre, Paris over several weeks
- Limited edition of 5, Jesmonite, 28.5 x 17 x 19 cm
Odalisque
€650 (was €750)
- Figure sculpture modelled from life at the Atelier Saint Fargeau in Paris. The pose was proposed by the model, inspired by the Odalisque paintings by Matisse
- Hand painted in shades of brown and wax finished
- Limited edition of 5, Jesmonite, 29 x 29 x 12cm
Ghost of a Girl
€700 (was €850)
- I love a really complicated pose! The twists and tangled up shapes our bodies can make facinate and challenge me. These crouching forms have been present in my work since my school days. A larger scale version of this piece is on the way but for now this unique piece is available!
- Handpainted grey and wax finished
- Unique, Jesmonite, 18 x 24 x 12cm
Sale ends March 17th 2023
View all artworks here >>
All buyers during this sale will receive updates and photos of the project progress (unless you choose not to). You will see the process of making a portrait from start to finish. You will get an insight into a working sculpture studio at the Florence Academy of Art as well as my visits to the city and all of the art there. You will meet the models, the tutors and other partcipants from all over the world. When I return to Ireland with the portraits, you will follow me in my decision making on how to finish the works and ultimately, I will present the project results with you in person or online. You will be able to ask me questions at any stage and there is a good chance I will be asking for your advice and opinions! I can't wait to go to Italy and learn from experienced sculptors in a city filled with art and history but also to bring new artworks back to Ireland to take on the competition!! Wish me luck!!