Philip Bromwell's film about my sculpture "The Hug" for RTÉ News - Hugs on Hold - A Year of Pandemic Living - March 2021
June 2021 - As we all look forward to life outside of lockdown, I would like to take this time to reflect on the past few months. In March this year, Philip Bromwell from RTÉ News made a film about “The Hug” as part of “Hugs on Hold” – A Year of Pandemic Living which garnered a huge response and artworks have been sent all over Ireland and worldwide. But this is not where the story began… This post is to give you an insight into the making of "The Hug", my process and impact it has had.
In 2020, Cootehill Arts Festival, determined to not let the pandemic spoil their planning, contacted eight Cavan artists and asked us to respond in one word to the question, “what does lockdown mean to you?” My reply was “CONTACT” and so began my thoughts and studies of the sculpture “The Hug”
My figurative sculptures start with a model, but where does one go to find people embracing when we are not allowed to touch?
As an expat myself for many years, I know first hand that there’s nothing more special than the Arrivals Gate for that very emotional hug. So my research started with the closing scenes from Love Actually!
Watch it here ...
I made the sculpture initially in clay and used wooden modelling tools to sculpt the figures. I was very conscious that I wanted the hands to be really strong, like they’ll never let go. A genuine, heartfelt hug.
When the clay work was finished, I made a silicone mould and from this, a Jesmonite cast of the sculpture.
As well as the limited edition of the sculpture "The Hug", I made a framed wall art version, which is a cast segment of the original sculpture.
In the middle of what seemed like a never ending lockdown in Ireland, Philip Bromwell from RTÉ contacted me to talk about "The Hug".
At that time, everyone was talking about missing hugs and this sculpture visualised that sentiment.
As orders for "The Hug" started to come in, it became clear that the artwork had really struck a chord. From my studio in Cavan, hugs and messages of love are being sent all over Ireland and the world. Because of the continued uncertainty about when people can travel, hugs are also being sent home by Irish expats.
Everybody has their own personal reasons why this artwork has touched them. Some of the conversations that I have had with people include being distanced from family and friends or that it reminds them of someone special or in times of feeling helpless, it was something they could send when a loved one was in need of comfort.
Importantly, "The Hug" will always be a reminder of this time. "I don't think any of us ever imagined that we'd be talking about missing hugs". I hope that as we move forward we will remember not to take the little things for granted.
RTÉ - Hugs on Hold: A Year of Pandemic Living featuring "The Hug"
"The Hug" - part of Cavan Arts series The Gift - An Bronntanas
Responding to Lockdown - "The Hug" at Cootehill Arts Festival 2020
"The Hug" - Framed Wall Art Sculpture
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- Jesmonite sculpture in wooden frame
- Gift wrapped
- Can be sent directly to the recipient with a handwritten message
- Securely packed and shipped worldwide with tracking number
- Free shipping in Ireland
"The Hug" Sculpture
Edition SOLD OUT
- Jesmonite sculpture
- 31 x 22 x 15 cm
- Limited edition of 5
- Securely packed and shipped worldwide with tracking number
- Free shipping in Ireland
A limited edition cast in Bronze is available, made to order. Please contact me for more information. info@mariesmith.net
Packs of 6 Postcards
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- Postcards of "The Hug" sculpture to send to family & friends
- Image printed on front
- Blank on back to write your message
- A6 size - 105 x 148 mm
- Free shipping in Ireland