Andy Murray: A Champion On and Off Court

Last week, British Tennis Champion, Andy Murray underwent a make-or-break hip operation and early indications are that it was a success! For now, it seems Andy’s retirement has been postponed!! I implore you not to take this great man for granted and cherish every moment he has left on court (starting, hopefully, this summer).

On court, Murray’s achievement is immense. He reached World #1 and cemented his place among the ‘Big Four’ (Federer, Djokovic and Nadal), widely perceived as the greatest players of all time. Andy has won three Majors (US open, Wimbledon x2), two Olympic Golds (London, Rio), carried Britain to a Davis Cup win, and reached the final of Australian and French Open. His greatness is indisputable.

His legacy won’t be confined to his sporting talent however. During his time atop global competition, he has consistently (often aggressively) advocated for gender equality with unerring conviction.

So, British Champion, World-Class Athlete, Global Icon and Crusader for Equality, what is next for you? I, for one, believe that your best is possibly yet to come. You have entertained us and kept us on the edge of our seats for over a decade, competing in the most thrilling spectacles British sport has ever seen. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

My Loyal Apprentice...

Six years ago, I adopted Moriarty Patrick Boyle from Chilterns Dog Rescue in Buckinghamshire.

He was old even then but a great fire still burns within him. He's his own man and knows what he wants and when he wants it. Nothing pleases him more than a car journey and woe betide me if I leave without him. My sculpture and tools are always safe with 'Arty' on patrol (he thinks he’s a Rottweiler, despite his 6” long legs!). Tennis balls and sticks must accompany us on any journey and if there’s a lake, canal or stream for a quick swim, all the better! 

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Arty is a talented beggar and will gaze, pleadingly, at me until I succumb and share a scrap of sandwich! His eyes are old now with hints of cataract, he thinks twice about walking in the dark. He's happiest by my side, while I work, and the best company on a long day in the studio. He is a fixture in my workspace. He is my loyal apprentice.

If you're considering a furry addition to your family, please do consider adopting a rescue. It might be one of the best decisions you make this year!

St Patrick's Day

Saint Patrick’s Day

If you were visiting or living in Dublin’s Fair City around 1969,  you may have been surprised/amused to see a mother pacing down the street, pushing a big old pram with two tots and two more running alongside, under strict orders not to let go of pram handles.  Not unusual then in Catholic Ireland… However on closer inspection, you’d observe quickly this must be a mini orphanage outing as none ofthese little girls look related and here’s where it get’s interesting - ethnically, there is a mini United Nations ensemble, bustling down that Dublin street in 1969! 

Keep gaping in wonder and you’d notice that they are dressed identically, down to ribbons in hair, despite the fact that the black child is sporting a very tight afro! The Asian baby’s bow is slipping to the side of her head, but a multitude of clips see’s it in place. She is determined to kick the blond older sibling out of the shared pram, but latter wields her broken doll with great effect and the efficient Mother puts end to chaos. The eldest child skips elegantly alongside the pram holding tightly to the handle, whilst on the far side the Afro child who could do with visiting a gym, struggles to keep up with the pace of the party! 

Both Abortion and single parenting traversed the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, meant Irish orphanages were full to bursting. Non-white children were difficult to find homes for. This couple however, was colour blind… and therefore content with every addition to their growing family!

 Possibly, just in case there is any confusion regarding relationship of the siblings, the Mother dresses her four charges identically…. down to ribbons in hair… Red ribbons for Christmas, yellow for Easter, White and pink for Summer, and green for St Patricks Day!  Her mantra being…. “There are no differences made in this house!”

We only really appreciate now, since the recent emerging horrors of the convents and orphanages of Ireland’s past, how truly fortunate are little ensemble was as a result of the love and altruism ofMary and Tommie Boyle of the Glenties, Co. Donegal.  R.I.P. 

Bail O Dhia oraibh!

Marie Boyle

The Fender Bunny Blues

Earlier this year, I was approached to make a piece celebrating the Pearl Anniversary of Theresa, a rabbit enthusiast, and her husband Tom, a blues guitarist.
Theresa knew exactly what she wanted, which always makes a commission that bit easier. Actually as soon as she shared her idea with me, I pictured it in my mind and naively shared it with her, "Oh yes" I said confidently "I see a hare rocking out on a Fender", to which she replied quite threateningly "No. It must be a rabbit, not a hare, a bunny rabbit... And he's not 'rocking out', he's playing the Blues."
"...Of course..." I replied tentatively "...a bunny... playing the Blues..." All the while, my mental image collection was saying 'how?'.
Several weeks later and after much field-tripping and 'burrow research', a large rabbit emerged from the clay. He looked soulful and full of the blues. So bluesy, in fact, that a custom made Fender guitar emerged from the clay after him like a Phoenix from the ashes! Job done. I was satisfied.

Fender Bunny Blues by Marie Boyle

Happy Pearl Wedding Anniversary to dearest friends Theresa and Tom -oh, and thank you Theresa for expanding my imagination!

Flow My Tears

I experienced a real treat at Forest School, Epping, on Wednesday evening. An invitation to the Orchestral and Choral Concert lifted me to another place.

Not feeling much in the mood for entertainment, this week, what with my father’s anniversary and the first time my mum isn’t around for, saw me a bit maudlin. I put my best face on however and we headed off.

They say music is food for the soul and goodness knows, after just over two hours of choral and orchestral elation, I returned home transformed.

My piece Into Their Future commissioned by the Forest School for the Martin Centre for Innovation.

Year 7 pupils lifted the roof with Scottish folk song Mairi’s Wedding, a favourite of my father’s, who loved to sing. I felt they were singing it for him and with moist eyes, I joined in!

James Sanderson, Director of Co-Curriculum, I wish you a speedy recovery from your stair topple and Flow My Tears, you did! Tenor soloist Angelo Fallaria excelled himself while Alex Coombs was sorely missed and I wish him well in his flu recovery.

The highlight of the evening for me would have to be the requiem by Gabriel Faure… the Choral society and senior chapel Choir comprising of a diverse range of pupils, teachers, parents and supported by the Symphony orchestra blew my mind. I am no aficionado of requiem, however, the performance transported my soul to another realm and more than once I shed a tear for both my parents Tommy and Mary Boyle and my loss and felt through the music (cellos and violas have a propensity to resonate with the soul) a revival of my spirit and a gentle acceptance and farewell.

The love these pupils have for their talents and their teachers is obvious. Hours and hours of hard practise and rehearsal must go on to achieve what I and others experienced on Wednesday night. Forest School can boast third place in London after St Paul’s and Westminster for it’s chamber, symphony, choral and contemporary ensemble.

Thank you, thank you, amazing Forest School. 

The Untitled Piece

This life size piece took a while to finish. I started it in October 2013 and invariably found a myriad of reasons to turn my back on it and proceed with other projects. Eventually, a collector said "I'll be having one of those...but I need it finished by February 18th, 2pm"....no better motivation! We cracked on and a new life size piece was installed half an hour late , but installed never the less, and looking good.

Try as I may, I have yet to title it...it is a peaceful looking piece, despite the apparent effort of control and balance involved. Perhaps I shall leave the naming to my friends across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram? Please help me in naming the piece, all ideas welcome!

Slan agus Beannacht

Mary Bridget Boyle  

21/01/1922 - 23/10/2015

“When orchids brighten the earth,

Darkest winter has turned to spring;

May this dark grief flower with hope in every heart that loves you.

May you continue to inspire us. ”

— John O'Donohue, On the Death of the Beloved

A Private View: Lorenzo Quinn

I met the debonaire Lorenzo Quinn at his private view in Halcyon Gallery, Mayfair on Wednesday evening. How we laughed when I showed him an image of my Cherish...

He has a similar one, he said, and showed me The Four Loves. His piece appears grander than mine though, mounted on a silver jigsaw globe, which in turn is precariously balanced on a heap of stones. I had a crick in my neck, gazing up at it!

Lorenzo Quinn's The Four Loves at Halcyon Gallery

Beautifully executed though... *cough* I’m off to the coast to find some large pebbles! 

Watershed moment for Ireland

The Catholic Church in Ireland has to hear the call of the people for a re-examination of the Church’s teachings on sexuality. Last week, Ireland voted overwhelmingly in favour of gay marriage and became the first country in the world to do so. Well done Ireland!

Most importantly I want to pay tribute to an amazing woman aged 93 from Co. Donegal, now living  in Co. Kerry, who was first to the polls last Thursday morning to place her YES vote. I am so proud of you Mam, for your objectivity and love for others.

Mary Boyle happens to be my lovely mother and biggest fan.  Last year she paid a visit to Terminal 5 Fine Art Gallery to see my work.

The Vatican must open their eyes.  If their 93 year old devout disciples are vociferous for change, shouldn’t they be sitting up and taking heed?

Optimistic for the future,

Oxfordshire Art Weeks: Bicester Sculpture Group Exhibition

I'm delighted to be showing new work on behalf of the Bicester Sculpture Group during the Oxfordshire Artweeks. You are hereby invited to join us from 11am on Saturday for drinks, nibbles and a rich variety of artwork. I cannot think of a better way to kick off a bank holiday weekend!

See you there,

Spring is Here: Embrace the Chaos

“The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month.”

— Henry Van Dyke

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“Spring is the time of plans and projects.” 
― Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina

Maybe I'm slow on the uptake.... but this last week I've only just caught up to the season. After a quiet start to the year, plans made in winter are coming to fruition and I finally feel the spring within myself. We are solar-powered beings and it can sometimes take a while to get up to speed, there's no shame in that. If you're still stuck in the dark, embrace the change, let life blossom around you and trust that opportunities await us all. Spring reminds us that brightness follows the darkest days. 

I find myself immersed in sunshine, birdsong and much optimism for the year ahead: new work, exhibitions, events, collaborations and challenges. I have so much to share with you over the coming months. I'll pace myself and we'll see how we go, the uncertainty can sometimes be overwhelming but one thing is beyond doubt: spring has sprung! 

Here's to new beginnings,

Dublin Can Be Heaven, with Coffee at Eleven…

A stroll down Stephen’s Green with my sister Jenn took us to the well- known Oscar Wilde sculpture, which overlooks Merrion Square, where he lived with his family once.

 This work of art is a geological masterpiece, being hewn from five different rock types, by sculptor Danny Osborne. Hats off to you Comrade, if I may I be so bold!...Igneous rock from Norway, Jade from the Yucon , Canada, black granite from India and quartz from the Wicklow mountains, no less. The quartz is the great big lump our Genius is sitting on…35 tonnes apparently!

Whatever about the global diversity of rock types involved, the ebullient colours fetched from said rock is mesmerising. One would struggle to believe that these vibrant colours, are  natural stone hewn from our earth, but most fitting for the clothing for our vibrantly witty Wilde.

Another stroll down Mespil Road along the banks of the Canal, took us to a seat, where I sat and doffed my hat to a Verdigris bespectacled Gentleman, legs crossed, deep in thought.  The Poet Patrick Kavanagh and I shared a solitary moment in the Dublin sunshine. But I  couldn’t leave it at that. I had to share my joy with him.  My good friend and Poet, Tess Adams was runner up in the Patrick Kavanagh Poetry Award Competition 2014. The President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins presented her with her prize.  Paddy Kavanagh was speechless in his admiration for Tess.  He crossed his legs the other way…..I think! 

Smile for the Camera Please

Renowned advertising and portrait photographer Lorentz Gullachsen pulled himself away from a hectic work schedule to fit a shoot in for me! The Terminal 5 Fine Art gallery wanted a good image of Cherish Those Who Hold Us Up and the opportunity presented itself when the stars aligned: proximity to Heathrow Airport, availability of the 120kg piece, availability of wunderkind Gullachsen and me getting my butt out of Buckinghamshire!

It came together like 'Brown’s Cows' and the shoot went swimmingly until I needed to pose. The sculpture was on its best behaviour, no flinching, cheek sucking or pouting. The same unfortunately could not be said for the sculptor. Seven shots sorted Cherish. Three hundred and seven shots later to get one decent image of me…sans weird grimace! I was more than happy with the result though. The incomparable Gullachsen done good!

Thank you Lorentz,

MBS will be exhibiting at the Chilterns MS Centre

In Memory of Dorothy

Fabulous mentor and dearest friend, who passed nine years ago today. You have left me with wonderful memories and an enduring legacy. 

Much love and light,

I know you haven't gone far!

Marie x

Marie Boyle Sculpture at Asthall Manor

Marie Boyle will be contributing three pieces to Linda Baillie and Amanda Cooper's Mixed Media exhibit at Asthall Manor. Feel free to pop in from Saturday onwards to sample a variety of work from some of Oxfordshire's finest.

A Continent Under Threat

Africa, the birthplace of humanity, has always held a special place in my heart. To immortalise the grace and power of the human essence, I frequently refer to primordial Africa for inspiration in my work.

Like us all, I am devastated by the exponential spread of Ebola throughout a land already plagued by tragedy. Of course, they are now not the only victims, the virus's spread around the world is somewhat inevitable and we are braced for its arrival here in the UK. However, despite suspiciously wishful predictions of apocalyptic development, we will survive this. This is not the end of the world but it could be the end of Africa.

Help prevent such unimaginable loss and give what you can, HERE, to those risking everything to try and bring the outbreak under control. Whatever your views, remember that the wellbeing of the African people is in our own best interest both economically and virally. 

Let's do our bit to prevent further tragedy,

Thank you,

ICAD 2014

This weekend I shall be exhibiting work at the annual Islington Contemporary Art and Design Fair. The event is graciously hosted by Candid Arts, a fantastic organisation devoted to showcasing artistic innovation from all corners of society. The fair is typically a melting pot of wonder and I'm delighted to be supporting, and participating in, this increasingly important event. I'm taking an assortment of my smaller works, some classics and some never-before-seen unique pieces. If you are around London this weekend, come along and get involved. 

Whatever you decide to do and wherever you are...

Have a great weekend,

Into Their Future

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A modest recreation of the surprise felt upon seeing the book

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The 'mess rehearsal': plotting anatomical geography at the workshop.

Here's to the future, 

This week I had a wonderful surprise when I saw my work on the cover of the Forest School's annual book of achievements and accomplishments. The work was commissioned by the Old Foresters' Club to adorn, and commemorate, the school's brand new building: the Martin Centre for Innovation. 

In keeping with the spirit of the building, I wanted to create a symbol of youthful aspiration: A boy and girl transcending limitation through sheer strength of will. The gap between them is bridged by the school's latin motto translatable as 'heart of oak'. I'm sure that the Martin Centre will help develop the pioneers of the future and am grateful that my work is a part of their present.

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The finished piece in the Forest School's Martin Centre for Innovation