Meet Renowned Sculptor Richard MacDonald

Monolithic figures are the expertise of sculptor Richard MacDonald.

Richard MacDonald poses with “The Grand Coda,” a memorial to Royal Ballet founder Ninette de Valois. PHOTO BY ED GREGORY OF IN COLOR STUDIOS

For over 50 years, contemporary figurative sculptor Richard MacDonald has been capturing the intersection of the human experience and beauty through his breathtaking art. Explore his works at The Art of Richard MacDonald, a gallery within Bellagio Resort & Casino. Here, MacDonald takes us inside his artistic process.

What sparked your passion for art?

My passion began at 18, and upon graduation, I became a professional illustrator in New York. After 12 years of working with Fortune 500 companies, the NFL, the NBA, and the Olympic committee, I transitioned into sculpture, beginning with a 3,000-pound figure for St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Atlanta. Then, I began to compete for monumental pieces nationwide. I created the Stephen F. Austin sculpture in Austin’s Sesquicentennial Plaza, a bronze likeness of Alaska state founder William Henry Seward in Anchorage and more.

How would you describe your aesthetic?

I use the figure to express emotions, situations, and philosophical and ideological concepts that connect with my fellow human beings, focusing on energy and connection.

Tell us about how you create your art.

I work on as many as 40 sculptures and ideas at a time. The art evolves into an intuitive creation; I usually work on a quarter-life-size piece, to begin with, as it is easily manipulated and created before moving to a larger size; this is usually two to three years in the making.

What’s next?

Currently, I’m working on a major piece for a nonprofit in Singapore.

The luxuries worth every penny are...

philanthropy and nurturing young people.