Dublin-born, Cork-based sculptor Peter Killeen mastered his craft working in bronze foundries in Ireland and Australia. It was in those foundries that Killeen was first introduced to the cire perdue (lost wax) method of bronze casting and subsequently began casting his own work.

 

The skill of bringing an idea to physical form through a careful process defines his idea of the sculptor, and he emphasises a belief that craftsmanship is integral to the plastic arts.

Killeen’s view is that the artist should be master of both work (craft) and form (art). He explains that every step in the creation of his pieces is carried out by him, from the initial idea to carving, modelling, moulding, casting, metal-working and applying the patina to the bronze.

Inspired by nature and the human observations and interpretation of same, he is interested in exploring the translation of one art form (literature) into another (sculpture); one form of meaning (story) into another (image); with the tales behind the pieces often forming a not insignificant part of the context of each piece.

Killeen’s current exhibition, The Medieval Bestiary, is running at the Solomon Fine Art Gallery on Balfe Street in Dublin 2 through the month of September.

See: solomonfineart.ie

 

How did your artistic journey begin?

I was a student of the sculptor Colm Brennan in secondary school. When I left school, he asked me to come and work in his bronze foundry in Dublin 8. I started off sweeping the floors, but it wasn’t long before I caught the bug.

Where did the title for your current show come from?

The title ‘The Medieval Bestiary’ is taken from medieval texts which offered explanations on how animals fit into the Christian world, through fables and moral tales.

What do you want your audience to feel when viewing your work?

I hope that the work will spark a curiosity in people to look at the tales behind the pieces, some of which are quite humorous, some containing important morals, and some veering on the absurd.

Artists who have influenced me:

Constantin Brâncuși.

I have a collection of:

Bikes. Cycling in the countryside takes me to my happy place.

An artist whose work I would collect if I could:

I’m afraid there’s little space left on my walls as my five-year-old is fairly prolific with her artistic endeavours.

A place that means a lot to me:

My father was a keen fly fisherman and the lakes in Wicklow bring back fond memories of spending summer evenings and weekends there with him as a child. I still love to cycle around Blessington and Bohernabreena when the opportunity arises.

A place I’d like to visit:

South of France is next on my list. I’d love to tour around the area of Carcassonne as I’ve been reading a lot lately on the history of the Cathars.

In another life I would have been:

A jeweller. I studied jewellery design in college while working part-time in the foundry, but the pull toward sculpture proved too great to ignore.

The best piece of advice I ever received:

Was from my mentor and friend, Leo Higgins, with whom I worked for over 20 years, who always told me to “be true to the work”.