Author: Seamus Murphy
Edition: (reprint).
Number Of Pages: 240
Release Date: 01-05-2005
Details: From the Publisher Memories of seven years as an apprentice stonecarver by a craftsman/artist who became one of Ireland's most respected sculptors. The young Seamus Murphy, studying modelling at the Crawford School of Art in Cork in the early 1920s, took the unusual step of apprenticing himself to a master stonecarver to learn the ancient craft of the mason. 'Stone Mad' tells the story of the seven years of growing knowledge of the challenges and joys of stone - and of the men who worked it. His artistic feeling for quality responded to his workmates' reverence for the 'well-made thing', their insistence on the making of the hand before the mind and heart could properly speak. The result is a book of surpassing beauty, full of warmth, humour and perception. Product Description Think of stonecarving in Ireland and it won t be long before the name Seamus Murphy comes to mind. In one of the oldest traditions in the world, Seamus carved his own niche to become one of the most respected sculptor s in his field. Stone Mad is an account of his days as an apprentice where he learned to work the stone and discovered that there is no regularity in nature. With hammer, mallet and chisel he shaped and fashioned rough boulders under the guidance of the master stonecarvers. Their unique voices emanate from the pages as Seamus allows the men to tell their own stories by using the language of the stonies . A symbiotic relationship exists between the stonecarver and his chosen material. The full artistic potential of a piece of stone is realised by the stonecarver who can respect his material and take a suggestion from it. A good carver will learn to speak kindly to the stone. Seamus spent seven years romancing the stone and Stone Mad documents his years of joy and struggle. His artistic feeling for quality responded to his workmates reverence for the well made thing . The result is a book of surpassing beauty, full of warmth, humour and profound perception. About the Author SEAMUS MURPHY was born in Mallow, Co. Cork, in 1907. On leaving school at fourteen he was apprenticed as a stonecarver. At the same time he attended art school by night. Then a scholarship allowed him study in Paris for two years. On returning to Cork he opened his own studio. He exhibited at the RHA every year from 1931 to his death in 1975, and became Professor of Sculpture at the RHA in 1964. His work, which can be seen all over Ireland, and in England and America, includes allegorical figure, madonnas, headstones, memorials and portrait busts.
EAN: 9781903464816
Languages: English
Binding: Paperback
Item Condition: UsedLikeNew