Paul Day was born in Horsham, West Sussex in 1967. He studied at Colchester Institute (1987-88) and painting at the School of Fine Arts at Dartington (1988-89). The Dartington course did not suit his ideals, so he transferred to Gloucester School of Art and Technology, Cheltenham (1989-91), graduating with an honours degree in sculpture. There is no doubt in…
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Paul Day was born in Horsham, West Sussex in 1967. He studied at Colchester Institute (1987-88) and painting at the School of Fine Arts at Dartington (1988-89). The Dartington course did not suit his ideals, so he transferred to Gloucester School of Art and Technology, Cheltenham (1989-91), graduating with an honours degree in sculpture.
There is no doubt in Paul Day's mind over his commitment to figurative art. This caused difficulties for him as a student in the 1980s, when he found that teaching in British art schools was not tuned to working figuratively. However, he maintained his direction, and his tutors were finally persuaded by his conviction. It was in Cheltenham that he developed a love of clay as the most appropriate medium for his work. finding a very expressive way of working, which he has continued to develop since graduating. Early influences for Day were Barry Mason, Giacomo Manzù and Emilio Greco. Early works in low relief evolved into pieces in high relief and fully three dimensional form.
Day lives and works in France and feels much closer to the European figurative traditions in France. His first solo exhibition in France came in 1994 at the Château d'Éguilly, since when he has exhibited regularly in France, Belgium and Germany and also in London. The vitality and plasticity of Day's terracotta sculptures, some of which are cast in resin- a few in Bronze- reflect his observations of life and human activity, particularly in cities. Human form and architectural detail are brought together with a vital and truly humanist sensibility. The Battle of Britain Society commissioned Day to produce the Battle of Britain Memorial now on Victoria Embankment, Central London.
