Whimsical, humour and mischief are the three words that largely spell out how this Irish sculptor describes his work.
This year will be his third to exhibit at Chelsea Flower Show, making the long journey from the west of Ireland.
Working in bronze and steel, his stories are made into a tale of wonder and imaginative delight. Now becoming known for his Inquisitive Hare Series he says that the figures that he creates are somewhat like the chapters in a book that tell a collective story. Although there is a story behind each piece Donnacha does likes to leave it up to the viewer to interpret the work and create their own narrative.
At the Races, the Mixologist, The Inquisitive Hare and the Fawn are just a few of his expressive creations that make his creativity unique and will be on display at Chelsea Flower Show 2025.
Asked how long it takes to create, Cahill says: “It’s very hard to quantify the time a piece takes, sometimes I need to take a break from certain pieces as when I’m so engaged I can’t see the work anymore and I need to step back for a while until the work comes in to focus again. In that time away from the work I usually switch over to another piece. I am never short for ideas.”
Donnacha prefers to create his own work but is open to working with people and developing ideas through their stories and requests. “By working with client sometimes I am lead down a new road which can lead to great ideas.”
Cahill’s favourite client is somebody who trusts his freedom to develop ideas without dominating and leading him down roads that he has not travelled.
A fine art graduate, Donnacha studied sculpture for four years and then worked in many different jobs until he decided in 2010 to take the chance and become a full-time artist. Today his clients are based in England, Ireland, US, Australia, Canada, Dubai, France and so on.
His home is a place called Athenry in the west of Ireland. His studio is a large barn set in the countryside by his home. He is adding to this space with an outdoor gallery soon to be unveiled.
Donnacha Cahill will be at the Chelsea Flower Show from Monday the 19th May 2025 until Saturday 24th May 2025.
To view Donnacha Cahill’s work please visit: donnachacahill.com
