Hello and welcome to the website of Irish sculptor and Maker Daniel Doyle.
With over 23 years of experience in creating Sand, snow and Ice sculpture all around the world I have represented Ireland at many international festivals and competitions. When not sculpting I find time to focus on my other work as a filmmaker and bespoke wood, metal or really anything maker.
I returned to Dublin Castle’s upper courtyard in July 2021 to create a new exhibition. The castle awarded me funding to allow for the creation of three sculptures.
I created two while Niall Magee was invited to create the third.
The Dublin Castle Sand sculpture exhibition 2021
Theme : Regather
“As we all come back together maybe we can use this time to regather our thoughts on how we want to go on. Do we want to go back to the way things were or should we use this time to reevaluate our lives and society and make changes for the better?
Sometimes it is easier to change direction once you have stopped and we could look at this crisis as a new start, to build a better, more sustainable future for all of us. This year’s exhibition is meant to be a conversation starter. We can’t provide any answers except our hopes and dreams in sand.”
Title: Rebalance
I spent most of the lockdown exploring every inch of my 5km limit with my son. I could relive my childhood through him and show him the simple pleasures. Now, that the machines of industry are restarting I want to find a better balance of keeping all the gears in motion while providing him with both the things that money can buy and the memories it can’t.
Title: Reassemble
Description:
Covid has knocked the jigsaw off the table. We now have a chance to reshape the picture it we can choose which pieces are important and we can find balance.
Title: Repair
Description:
The improvements in air quality and the thriving of nature during lockdowns showed us how quickly the world can heal if let do so. The time is now or never to start the repairing of our planet. It will take the hands of strong leadership to implement the changes that are needed but knowing that deep down the public will be there to support it should make the healing easier.
Cashel Arts festival 2020
I had the pleasure to return to Cashel town for their arts festival. With Covid gripping the country most of the other exhibits and attractions had to go online but because my sand sculpture could be outdoor I was able to work in safety for me and the audience.
I created four sculptures during the week each dealing with how covid lockdowns were affecting the different generations.
