Hippopotame, Circa 2020

Jean Lemonnier  

Jean Lemonnier, born September 2, 1950 in Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer, is a French painter and sculptor, who lives and works in Brittany. 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 by 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.
Initially self-taught, he then attended the Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels.
Rewarded by several prizes and distinctions, her work is visible in many salons and galleries. Her monumental sculptures are installed in businesses and public places.
"Between two large animals, to relax, I make assemblies of old metals. I weld them and make characters. I love making silhouettes and adding a bit of humor to them...
The most important moment in the making of a sculpture is the sketch. The most complicated part is finding the movement. If you catch it, it carries you along until the end.
I especially like direct carving, working stone, marble, onyx, schist, the caress of the hand on a freshly sanded stone sculpture..."

Public Collections
The Great Cormorant (2006), original in Lambert cypress, 3 m, Quai de la Croix, Concarneau seafront
The Perfumed Goddess, La Gacilly
The Heron Fountain, La Gacilly
The Round, bronze, 1 m, La Gacilly
The Bird Cabaret, Langouët Fountain
Clownfish - Clown-fish, Noirmoutier-en-l'Île
Five characters from the Bagad of Lann-Bihoué (2009), catalogue of the 41st Marine Exhibition
Great Dane (2011, mascot of LOSC Lille Métropole), 2.44 m, 500 kg, Domaine de Luchin, Camphin-en-Pévèle
Le Jars (2019, at the entrance to the village), Plieux, (Gers, France).