Birdbath

Ronan Butler

Ronan Butler is an outstanding artist who has truly mastered his materials.

Ronan is the oldest Butler sibling and was the first to learn the art of welding and copper sculpture from his father Liam. He has been a full-time artist since 2016, exhibiting his unique work at galleries around Ireland. Ronan has spent time travelling in Canada and Australia, and is inspired by the landscapes, nature and people he encountered on his travels as well as his surroundings in Connemara.

In particular, Ronan is influenced by the woodlands where he spends his time foraging, walking and camping. He enjoys exploring storytelling in his work, often depicting scenes from Irish Folklore. Ronan’s swan pieces are inspired by the legend of the ‘Children of Lir’ and reflect a sense of the magic of these mythological creatures. Ronan exhibits and sells his work through the Kildare Gallery in Carton House.
Ronan works in welded steel, copper and bronze and his tools are no more than a welding torch and a hammer.

Technique:

The art of direct metal sculpture, as opposed to metal casting, belongs essentially to modern times. Though some metal sculpting techniques were known to ancient man, they were employed mainly in craft work such as the hammering and beating of armour, and the carving and engraving of jewellery.
The discovery of oxyacetylene welding in 1895 brought many new possibilities and scope for sculptors, in scale and in technique. Many artists were quick to realize metal’s positive qualities as a sculpting medium – it can be cut, welded, moulded, cast, polished or patinated, and it is very durable.
It used to be regarded as an engineering process, but there is plenty of scope for creativity. Guided by imagination and inspiration, Ronan Butler plans a basic design and gradually builds it up. There is an elegant simplicity about some of his work, and in others he adds lots of decoration and adornment, giving us some wonderful colour effects and an amazing variety of forms. Ronan obviously has great fun making these creations, and will surely enjoy the smiles they bring to the viewers of his work.

Ronan’s sculptures are suitable for display both indoors & outdoors, due to the nature of the copper material outdoor display will aid green patination throughout the sculpture over time. Ronan advises that a wire brush or light sand paper will remove new patination. The pieces are set on Kilkenny marble