PJ Donnelly Sculpture

PJ Donnelly Sculpture

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Ceramic Sculpture

The Moirai 

Fired ceramic finished using the application of oxides, acrylic pigments, shellac and gilding wax


"Moirai, often known in English as 'the Fates' are taken from Greek Mythology. Clotho (the spinner), Lachesis (who measures the thread of life) and Atropos (who snips/cuts the thread of life). The Moirai were said to spin the thread of humans destiny from birth all the way to death. In my interpretation of this myth, the figures are bound together with a chain (representing the thread of life).


I was inspired by the various references to Greek mythology and Ovidian themes such as Arachne and Diana and numerous depictions of Pan seen in the Art and Furniture collection on display at  Temple Newsam house. In a nod to a reference to some less popular figures from Greek Mythology, along with the estates's rich history and many lives it has housed, the reference to mortality and the relatively small window in time we exist seems all the more fitting."Fired ceramic finished using the application of oxides, acrylic pigments, shellac and gilding wax


Sculpture Available

Please contact for details. 

Virgin Prunes Capital with Four Heads

This sculpture is made in two parts (top section and stand) and depicts both band members Guggi and Gavin Friday from the band The Virgin Prunes.


On delving into research, I found a grainy live performance video of the track “Pig Children”. A bizarre and impulsive performance art piece seemingly based on Lord of the Flies. What I was able to take from this was a spectrum of expression and emotion displayed by the two front men. I decided to capture this range in a circle of portrait pieces reminiscent of the capital statues seen in Italian architecture.


Virgin Prunes Capital with Four Heads - Ceramic with Graphite and Shellac.

400 x 450mm Inc base

The Arrival 

The Arrival is a ceramic piece representing the human tendency to fear the unknown. I wanted this sculpture to convey both sides of this relationship and for the viewer to make their own judgements about this scenario and the intentions and motivation of those involved.

Ceramic Stoneware and oxides. Additional acrylic and shellac detail and dried flowers.

Wooden Base on steel pins

220 x 390 x 390mm Inc base

And All Was Still

A meditation on removing oneself from the bustle and anxiety laden path of expected norms.


Any diversion away from modern expectations can often be ridiculed or mocked, however, taking an alternative route can provide us with the chance to be truly free.


Breaking out of these restrictions can open up a world of opportunity and, above all, a pathway to peace.


Ceramic with Rust Patina and Graphite

360/200mm

An Immaculate Mind - Ceramic (Black Clay with Graphite) on Wooden base.

An Immaculate Mind - Ceramic (Black Clay with Graphite) on Wooden base.

This sculpture explored ideas around self-care, mindfulness, and meditation. It aims to dance on the line between reality and our inner thoughts, giving a reassurance embrace as we rethink our world.

310/200/150mm Inc base  

Available: £600

Neutral Buoyancy 

Neutral Buoyancy is a suspended ceramic piece devised and constructed during lockdown. The piece consists of ceramic components linked using wire and brass bullet joints. The sculpture represents how extreme conflicting forces can result in a motionless state.

Ceramic Stoneware with oxides and string. Suspended and fixed using steel wire and brass bullet joints.

Wooden Base

510 x 200 x 150mm Inc base

Living with Judith

Living with Judith is a ceramic stoneware piece fired using a basic oxide wash provide a sepia effect finish. In essence, Living with Judith is a parody of a traditional family portrait. I really wanted to try to demonstrate that the true nature of a family can't simply be recorded through forced smiles and awkward pose.

190mm/ 160mm

©2024 All works by PJDonnelly
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