Jean Lemonnier

Jean Lemonnier Sculptor, Official Painter of the Navy Trio of Puffins (2006) Bronze, signed and numbered 4/8 Fonte Chapon Height: 35.5 x 43.5 x 27cm Jean Lemonnier Renowned for his works on the animal theme, he practices direct carving in wood or stone (schist, granite, onyx), and uses multiple materials (recycled iron, terracotta, bronze). Rewarded with several prizes and distinctions, his work has been acquired by public authorities, companies or large private collections. Jean Lemonnier was appointed official painter of the Navy in 2005. Jean was born in Caen on September 2, 1950. Self-taught, he has practiced sculpture since 1978. "Sculpture has established itself as the language through which I express my truths. And it is through sculpture that I try, daily, to celebrate the one who is my guide, my passion: Nature, a long procession of beauty, inspiration and splendors." He discovered Auvergne in 1978 where he lived for 13 years near Salers. It was there that sculpture took hold of him. He then worked mainly with wood. In 1986 he attended the Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels for a time. He left Auvergne for La Gacilly, Morbihan in 1990 where he has lived and worked ever since. In La Gacilly, he discovered new materials: schist, granites, more exotic onyxes that he sculpted directly, he assembled salvaged iron, modeled terracotta, and then came his first bronze creations. It was in La Gacilly that Yves Rocher's patronage allowed him to execute several monumental sculptures that were commissioned from him.