My piece is entitled Found Heart.
The inspiration for this piece comes from a nutshell I found whilst bathing in a hot spring in California.
I discovered the nutshell while running my fingers through the dark grains of sand as I sat in the warm dark milky blue spring water.
I was struck by the beauty within this little nutshell and once back at my studio I used it as inspiration for this piece. I carved the original piece in a dark limestone which came from a place called Butlers Grove in County Kilkenny.
I then had a mould made of the stone piece, which I had cast into Bronze. I love the way the piece translates from stone into bronze. I have attached a picture of the original below to show you as it might be useful for the students
The title 'Found Heart' is a literal description of the moment I found the inspiration and also a nod to that moment someone finds the courage or strength to act. To take the plunge.
I love the subtle polished parts of the piece in contrast to the textured parts and the green patination on the underside of the piece.
I am primarily known as a stone sculptor in my artistic practice but I also work in clay and occasionally have work cast in bronze. I do some portrait work also.
Within my work I take inspiration from the natural world and I'm also inspired by art deco motifs. I have a website that is in desperate need of an update but you will find my latest work up on my Instagram profile
richie_healy_sculptures.
I carved the 500 letter Limestone inscription for the gate lodge at Hillsborough Castle in 2019 and also first exhibited at the RUA in the same year.