“The best part of sculpting for me is creating life from raw clay. I've been fortunate to work with some amazing people and in studying them, capturing the essence of their personality in bronze. Many of these people have made a significant and positive contribution to the world and their memory will live on through the images created.” John Francis Gardner is a world renowned Bronze Sculptor who has worked with World Figures and is currently creating a bronze of a significant Royal figure.
He was always passionate about art and was painting before he could write. John bought his first book, "A Collection of Royal Academy Paintings and Sculptures 1903" when he was only 8 years old and has since then embarked on a study programme that has covered everything from line drawings via architecture to oil and water colour paintings.
Having explored 2-D work, there was a natural progression to 3-D portrait and figural work. In sculpture the story unfolds by utilising light and shadows and the texture of the medium.
John is particularly admired for the facial expressions he creates, which gives the sculptures life and captures the personality of the living person. This is not an easy task when one is working with clay, which is eventually cast in bronze via the lost wax process.
His Limited Editions are sought after pieces, which have finished their journey in homes throughout the world. John creates ommissioned pieces for individuals, organisations and companies.
His current limited edition of 10 reclining nudes have sold exceptionally well already and there are only a few left for the discerning collector.
John Gardner is currently working on three series which include the 'Legends of Africa' 'Legends of the World' and the 'Nobel Peace Prize Laurettes'.
Highlighted below are some of his finest pieces: