Nichola Theakston

''Sighthound'', Contemporary Bronze Sculpture Portrait of a Dog, Hound

2020

The optimistic bronze sculptures of Dutch artist Miep Maarse (1945) are a feast for the eyes. Dancing elephants, bathing hippos and playing bears characterize her oeuvre. The images are optimistic in tone and message. Through her images she shows us her positive view of the world and humanity. She shapes her sculptures in a professional and original way. The animals have recognizable human characteristics, which radiate great charm and tenderness. At first glance, this seems simple and charming. The opposite is true. You must have studied man and his behavior extremely well in order to make this translation. A hippopotamus - not a gentle animal at all - transforms into a friendly big lug who dances, dives or acts like an English lord. What is special is that Maarse finds her images so natural that people do not immediately realize that what they are actually doing is not possible. In ''Between the Ears'' the mother elephant with her child between her ears looks so natural and realistic and is so moving and playful. Almost casually, Miep Maarse asks the obligatory question: "How realistic is realistic?" Everyone will immediately admit that her images are not realistic. But what are they then? Surrealistic maybe? Strangely enough, it is obvious to place them in that movement, but everyone feels that something is not right. After all, with surrealism we immediately think of bizarre situations and alienation, while Miep Maarse's animal sculptures radiate something familiar and domestic. Due to the metamorphosis that her animals undergo, they enter the realm of fabulous creatures. The animal sculptures are liberating because the depicted animals have different codes of conduct than the people who imitate them. Miep Maarse received her education at the Gerrit Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam. ''La Baigneuse...

After studying Fine Art in the Netherlands Ans Zondag (1959) spent several years abroad in order to explore different artistic areas and to establish which technique suited her best....

British sculptor Anthony Theakston (1965), who draws his inspiration from the shape and movement of birds, simplifies the birds and omits more and more details until only the essence...

British sculptor Anthony Theakston (1965), who draws his inspiration from the shape and movement of birds, simplifies the birds and omits more and more details until only the essence...

After studying Fine Art in the Netherlands Ans Zondag (1959) spent several years abroad in order to explore different artistic areas and to establish which technique suited her best....

Karin Beek's (1948) bronze sculptures are characterized by a friendly, round and at the same time monumental style. They breathe the atmosphere of everyday ...

"Aquatic Dance" is a larger version of Pietrina Checcacci's signature bronze legs. Pietrina Checcacci was born in Taranto, Italy. Currently, she lives in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. ...

Caroline started this sculpture when pregnant with her first child. She found becoming a mother an incredibly inspiring experience and wanted to reflect on the real privilege it was to watch her children grow and develop. This sculpture is available in an edition of 5 in foundry bronze. Caroline Russell...

One of the first sculptures Caroline made after her second child was born. Her children and her often used to sit in this position when they were small. They both used to want to sit on her lap at the same time, so sat on one knee each. Caroline Russell...

In this sculpture, started soon after the birth of Caroline's first child, the new baby is the focus of attention for both parents. This sculpture is available in an edition of 5 in foundry bronze. Caroline Russell...

This piece was inspired by Caroline's own family, both past and present. She grew up with a younger brother, and had two children boy and girl herself. Caroline Russell...

This sculpture is inspired by Caroline's own family and reflects the sizes relative to one another. She wanted to record the moment when her children were so much smaller than her and her husband, knowing that that moment in time would not last. This is the last in the seri Caroline Russell...