Artists

      .    :”:”O’Grady’s true passion lies in the tactile art of sculpting, particularly in the intricate craft of carving. This ardour is evident in his adept  exploration of concepts like mass, weight, balance, and the complex interplay between positive and negative space within his sculptural  practice. These artistic investigations imbue his creations with a profoundly personal and spiritual essence.

While O’Grady has a history of creating large-scale commissions in concrete, his recent preference over the past five years has leaned  towards bronze as a medium, resulting in smaller works. Despite his main emphasis remaining on figurative sculptures, he also explores the world of abstraction, finding inspiration in the legacies of renowned modernist sculptors like Constantin Brancusi, Henry Moore, and  Isamu Noguchi. “Watchman No. 1” serves as a shining example of this artistic evolution. 

“I am always wanting to create powerful, monumental feeling work (no matter what size) I hope my work shows something unique,  individual and even uplifting.” 

Tony has left his artistic mark through participation in numerous solo and group exhibitions, in addition to sharing his expertise by  instructing stone sculpture in engaging summer workshops. 

Galleries I have exhibited in group shows include:

Sculpture:

Chambers Art Gallery ChCh

Form Gallery, Chch

Tai Tapu Sculpture Garden annual Exhibition (4 yrs)

York St. Timaru
C.S.A. (as it was then)
Port Gallery, Lyttleton.

Arts Centre, Chch. Wanaka.
Canterbury Gallery, Chch. Salamander Gallery, Chch. Bealey Gallery, Chch. Classic Interiors.

Applied Art NZ.

Little River Gallery. Solo exhibitions:

Painting: Lyttleton Coffee Company, Lyttleton; Chamber gallery, Rangiora

Two Rivers Gallery, Cheviot.

Commissions:
Christchurch City Council, a wooden sculpture (hand in hand), gifted to a sister city in Japan. Public sculpture @ Ilam Medical Centre.
Numerous private commissions.

Tutored at a summer workshop on stone sculpture at the Arts Centre.