"Bronze is malleable and versatile. I love working with it."

ABOUT THE
ARTIST

Jarlath Daly is an Irish sculptor who sculpts in bronze. His sculpture reflects public attitudes, local themes and legends, sport and of course history at both the local and the epic. He is also inspired by nature and childhood memories. His work ranges in scale from 10 inches to 30 feet.

On graduating from Limerick School of Art and Design, Jarlath became a teacher and taught at second level for two decades, gradually building up a portfolio of private commissions.

His teaching career may explain his many pieces of sculpture for schools around Ireland including Gaelscoil Tiobraid Arann, Tipperary, St. Caimins Community School, Shannon and Scoil Mochua, Celbridge, Co. Kildare.

Jarlath also works with precious metals for jewellery-making.

THE SCULPTOR’S
PROCESS

For his sculptures, Jarlath uses the traditional casting system of cire perdue or ‘lost wax’.

He starts with a drawing, and then moves this onto a 3D stage using modelling wax.

From then on the process known as cire perdue or lost wax takes place. Firstly, the wax form is invested in a silicon shell and then burnt out. The negative space vacated by the wax receives molten bronze at 1200 degrees celsius.

After casting, the bronze is allowed to cool down. The ceramic shell is discarded and a technician cleans and chases the bronze in preparation for the patination stage. Chasing involves the use of a chisel-like tool to take out fins of bronze and other blemishes, then sanding.

Jarlath Daly loves working in bronze because it is a malleable and versatile material. The patinas allow for different colours and finishes ranging from browns to blues and greens.

Due to the tedious process of modelling and the extended foundry practice, each bespoke bronze may take up to three months depending on size and detail.