Bronzed

Watching Morgan MacDonald move around his shop is like watching a kid in a toy store. With his bright eyes, engaging smile and his obvious willingness to share everything about his craft, you know instantly that this is a man who is deeply passionate about what he does.

Morgan is one of the most prominent and talented bronze sculpture artists in Canada. Our little group was fortunate yesterday to spend some time with Morgan and learn about the entire “lost wax” process of creating bronze sculptures. His works focus on historical and cultural interpretations of events in this area, and some of his larger works have been commissioned by city and provincial governments all over this part of Canada. His works are also displayed in Europe, Asia, and all over North America. It was fascinating to see the entire process of his creations….from concept, to the initial clay sculpture, to a wax replica, to a ceramic mold, then finally into the cast bronze piece of art.

I was amazed at how realistic his sculptures are. Lately he has been creating a series of smaller works depicting the Beothuk original peoples of Newfoundland. One of his best known works is actually a local icon in the city of St. John’s, passed by hundreds of people each day, called “The Rower”.

Today we’re in the tiny fishing village of Port Kirwan, about to embark on another day of being immersed in the culture of this land.