In this episode, sculptor and writer, Aidan Harte joins Lucy Branch to discuss his journey from animation to classical sculpture training in Florence, and the extraordinary controversy surrounding his first public sculpture - a horse-headed figure from Irish folklore called a Púca.

What We Discuss:

• How animation training shaped Aiden's approach to sculptural composition and silhouette
• The value of classical training at Florence's ateliers versus contemporary art education
• The púca commission and the year-long battle that followed when a parish priest condemned it as "pagan"
• Why the sculpture eventually found its home 10 miles from its original location
• The challenge of creating fantasy and folklore in public sculpture
• Political dimensions of public art in Ireland
• The absence of visual art addressing Northern Ireland's troubles, despite rich literary responses
• Parallels between writing and sculpture - the importance of editing and "killing your darlings"

Find Aiden Harte:

• Website: aidanharte.com
• Instagram: @aidanhartesculptor
• Writing: The Spectator, Quillette, The Critic

Key Takeaway:Public art requires courage - both from artists willing to create bold work and from commissioners brave enough to defend their initial vision when controversy strikes.

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This podcast was brought to you by Antique Bronze