Two new Sculptures from Bob Quinn (Rendezvous and Bird Song)
The University has recently introduced artwork by the Irish sculptor Bob Quinn. Born in 1948, Quinn enjoyed a long career as a commercial artist, designer and head of a design and production company. He has pursued his love of drawing and sculpture throughout this career and has illustrated several publications.
The Piece ‘Rendezvous’ overlooks the lake at Belfield, and is about anticipation, excitement and the anxiety of an expected meeting. In this piece, the female subject looks over her shoulder, and as she does some may see strength, whilst others may see vulnerability.
Although loosely described as figurative, his sculpture is expressionist in influence and evolves from a confident understanding of anatomy and of his medium coupled with a quirky way of looking at life.
Working from preparatory sketches, Quinn creates wax or clay original sculptures before making moulds. From these wax moulds, Quinn takes the work through the long foundry casting procedure and patination process before arriving at the permanence of the final sculpture.
In another piece by Quinn, sited in the grounds of Newman House, Quinn wanted to do a light hearted but spiritual and contemplative piece for an outdoor space. He was equally concerned with the silhouette that would be created as seen from a distance at different times of the year.
“Birdsong” is a sculpture of a young cleric captured in a moment as he walks reading his early morning prayer. He is momentarily distracted by we know not what. It is about his vulnerability and that he is reassuringly ordinary. Although the choice of clerical hat was about the shape it created, it was also about creating a slightly jaunty, youthful air to the piece.
