“My interest in art and mythology began as a child. I was drawn to the art and artifacts from the prehistoric and ancient world. I recognized at an early age that cross-cultural similarities abound in the archetypes of mythology, binding us together as one species with common ancestors. The symbolism created by artists therefore connects us through the Arts. My work is an extension of my constant revisiting of these myths and mysteries as I try to bridge the relationship between the ancient world and our modern existence. I aim to create timeless work that resonates with spirit. In this process, I develop expressions of my personal mythology, bound to my ancestors through the archetype, altered by the world in which I live, made unique by my hand.”
Claire McArdle
Claire McArdle is an internationally recognized sculptor. She grew up in the Washington DC metro area where she began studying art in high school. Her regular trips to the National museums at a young age exposed her to a wide range of sculpture from around the world. She was particularly inspired by sculpture of the European modern masters, Old Europe and Africa. After earning a Bachelor in Fine Arts she moved to Italy in 1988 for several years to work with the master carvers in Carrara, and continues to travel to Italian quarries to rough out her travertine and marble work. Her style has been influenced by classical figures and the soul that speaks within tribal art, but her figures emerge from her own personal mythology and archetypes. Her energy for exploring these mysteries and an insatiable passion for working stone, clay, and bronze, combine to create forms with harmonious balance and an ethereal quality.
Ms McArdle’s work was recently curated by the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in the prestigious show “Rodin and the Contemporary Figurative Tradition”.
Her works are in private and public collections throughout the United States, Europe, Mexico and Japan. She was selected to carve marble sculptures on-site for two public parks in Japan. Her commissions for public, educational, and religious institutions include monumental works for Spring Hill College, Mobile, AL; Marian House, Baltimore, MD; The Holton-Arms School, Bethesda, MD; St. Bede, Williamsburg, VA; Holy Trinity Church, Washington, DC; Holy Redeemer College, Washington, DC as well as many private commissions.