Patrick Barry Sold at Auction Prices

b. 1970 -

Born in Cork in 1970, Patrick Barry’s first exposure to stone and drawing came while working in a graveyard when he was fifteen. Chosen for the job because of his ability to draw, working through observation he became self-taught with a lack of formal training his skills were born from within. At age 25, while working full time and spending almost every living moment engrossed in his passion for carving, he undertook a BA Degree in Fine Art in Crawford Collage, Cork, where he discovered his passion for stone.

The origin of stone, its formation, consistency and durability fascinated Barry. Here began his relationship with a medium that today is his life’s passion.

“The material I use is mainly Kilkenny Limestone, the tones in this stone go from blue grey to a highly polished black. At times this contrast may play an integral part in the composition of a piece.

This fresh new art form accentuates the relationship of the sculpting to drawing. My sculptures bring forth the vivid contrasts in stone in its natural state to create a three-dimensional drawing encapsulated within the sculptural form. The distinction is that this material isn’t formed by adding but by taking away.

The literal work being at times emotive placed within a stylised vessel. Each carving has its own unique context. The abstract work has an underlying human form based on the internal energy and movement, relating to the unceasing nature of ocean waves. The interchangability of water as a medium, it becoming a conduit channelling elemental energy and the forms this can take”

Patrick Barry has won numerous awards. In October 2008 Barry was awarded the Douglas Hyde Gold Medal. He was also awarded joint sculpture winner and the highly coveted Douglas Hyde Gold Medal for the overall winner in the Annual Oireachtas Competition.