Soldered brass, 16 x 13 x 14, 2009. The "Helm of the Grieving Gardener" is a deeply expressive piece that captures the intersection of human suffering, nature, and resilience. The face, cast in a permanent state of grief, dominates the helmet with its exaggerated features—a furrowed brow, hollow eyes, and a mouth frozen in what appears … Continue reading Helm of the Grieving Gardener
Soldered brass, 2009. The "Helm of the Gorgon" by Ryan McCourt draws upon the mythological figure of Medusa, a Gorgon from Greek mythology whose hair was made of living snakes. In this sculpture, the snarling, twisting serpents radiate outward from the helmet, creating a dynamic sense of movement and aggression. Each serpent has a slightly … Continue reading Helm of the Gorgon
Soldered brass, 15 x 12 x 12, 2009. Ryan McCourt’s The Helm of the African Queen is a sculptural piece deeply rooted in African artistic traditions, specifically evoking the visual and symbolic language of Benin bronzes. These bronzes, produced in the Kingdom of Benin, are renowned for their intricate craftsmanship and their function as royal … Continue reading The Helm of the African Queen
Soldered brass, 20 x 12 x 12, 2009. Ryan McCourt's "Helm of the Summer Solstice" merges organic and mechanical elements into a sculpture that is rich with symbolic meaning and artistic craftsmanship. Atop the helm rests a large, spherical berry, suggesting nature’s fullness and vitality during the summer solstice. The berry, with its simple stem … Continue reading Helm of the Summer Solstice
Soldered brass, 19 x 13 x 13, 2008. Winner: First Prize, Headdress Category, Wearable Art Awards, 2009. Ryan McCourt's "Helmet of Laocoön" draws upon the myth of Laocoön and his tragic punishment by Athena, blending classical references with imaginative, surrealist design. The central feature of the helmet is a large brass whale, which commands attention with … Continue reading The Helmet of Laocoön
