Michael Quane facts for kids

Michael Quane (born in 1962) is a famous Irish sculptor. A sculptor is an artist who creates art by shaping materials like stone, wood, or metal. He is also a member of Aosdána, which is a special group for top artists in Ireland.

Early Life and Art

Michael Quane was born in Cork, Ireland, in 1962. He started drawing and carving wood when he was just 12 years old. This showed his early talent for art.

He first studied science at University College Cork. However, he soon realized his true passion was art. He then moved to the Crawford School of Art and Design to study art properly.

His Career as a Sculptor

Quane began his professional art career in 1987. His talent was quickly recognized. In 1998, he was chosen to join Aosdána. This is a very important group for artists in Ireland. Later, in 2004, he became a member of the Royal Hibernian Academy.

How He Creates Art

Kingdom of Plants Arising by Quane, found at the National Botanic Gardens, Dublin.

Michael Quane works with many different materials. These include strong elm wood, dark Kilkenny limestone, and beautiful marble. He uses a special method called direct carving. This means he carves directly into the material. He does not make small models or plans beforehand.

Animals in His Work

Animals, especially horses and donkeys, are often seen in his sculptures. This interest started when he was a child. He once saw a donkey dying in a bog, which is a type of wetland. This experience deeply affected him.

His art shows animals and people living together. He often shows human figures who are not powerful heroes. Instead, they are just trying to live alongside the animals on Earth. This is different from older art that showed humans controlling animals.

Where He Lives

Michael Quane lives in Leap, County Cork, a village in County Cork, Ireland. He has two children.