Conflict Sculpture by Marc Kelly

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DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

MK : Conflict expresses containment, imprisonment, a form in stark contrast to the that which surrounds it. Equally as beautiful and boldly expressing itself through sharp line and texture. The true identity of the mediums are revealed through their born colours and forms.

DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?

MK : I wanted to capture a moment in time - to speak of those communities and people who are singled out and rounded upon for their personal beliefs religious or otherwise. Growing up along the conflict zone which was the Irish border I wanted that conflict to be conveyed subtly through the stone, the design, the colours and textures.

DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?

MK : I hope to exhibit this design throughout 2020-2021

DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?

MK : I designed this sculpture as a personal reflection on my life - a journal diary entry!

DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?

MK : I plan to sell this sculpture in time as a one off bespoke piece.

DI: What made you design this particular type of work?

MK : A love for these stone types and how they could convey my emotions best

DI: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?

MK : No designer in particular but design in general

DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?

MK : strong form, sharp lines, textures, colour, tones and technical ability

DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?

MK : Conflict speaks of a past time in Irish history

DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?

MK : Pencil on paper before transferring these onto the stones where the design was further developed.

DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?

MK : Stone suppliers, stone polishers to perfect the base

DI: What is the role of technology in this particular design?

MK : Technology was very important in sculpting the piece with power tools before hand carving techniques were introduced to complete it.

DI: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?

MK : The design was not influenced by any analytical research other than my desire to express my own thoughts through design in stone.

DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?

MK : dealing with perfect forms on natural materials poses its own risks and problems when being sculpted by hand. Realising your concepts through design where it will capture the imagination of others is always the challenge but I was very happy it was achieved through the many techniques and forms in play.

DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?

MK : I always felt this was a very strong piece of work, I was confident it had the chance to be recognised at the highest level.

DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?

MK : I learned a lot about how many ways exist to express yourself with stone as the medium of choice once a great design has been realised.