Grant’s Story at Sea…

Grant’s story began as he grew up around boats on the Irish Sea & Shannon Lakes. He was also lucky enough to travel the world on the then Irish Sail Training Vessel, Asgard II, initially as a Trainee and latterly as Bosun.

On his return to Dublin, he set up Safewater Marine Services providing clients with professional boat maintenance and repair to full refits.


Grant’s story as a Designer & Sculptor in Dublin…

As a marine professional, Grant brings a unique perspective to his work as a Sculptor.

He has always been inspired by movement in nature and is drawn to the way that sails catch the wind, waves lap against the shore and leaves sway in the breeze.

This fascination with movement led him to pursue a career in Sculpture and Garden Art, with a focus on Nautical and Botanical themes.

“I strive to create art that captures beauty, and conveys a sense of fluidity and grace!

Grant Designs, established in 2017, was a natural progression for his love of creating unique designs in Stainless Steel and Copper.

“I always enjoy working with sail shapes, like my Zanzibar & Whisper yacht models. I also design Sculptures with leaf and organic shapes. Leaves are like miniature sails and, once I visualise how the wind is going to move something, I can see it come to life”

Recently, a sporting challenge to make a Stainless Steel Rugby Ball spurred him on to experiment with new techniques to produce complex curves in Stainless Steel.

Working with Stainless Steel to produce complex curves isn’t easy as the steel tends to want to bend in one direction only – but I was happy to take on the challenge”

This has also allowed Grant to create new Botanical and Nautical sculptures, such as Oasis and Synergy, which showcase these intricate curves.

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As a Sculptor in Dublin, Grant has exhibited at Sculpture in Context in the National Botanic Gardens Dublin with Copper in Flame in 2018, Still Leaf in 2019, Release at the SIC virtual exhibition in 2020, Seedling in 2021 and Releaf & East Wind in 2022

Art at the Mill Garden, Thomastown as part of the Thomastown Creative Arts Festival and the Alternative Kilkenny Arts Festivals in Summer 2021 & 2023.

Art Source RDS, DublinIreland’s biggest & best Art Fair‘ November 2021, 2022 & 2023.

Art Source City Hall Cork October 2023.

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Grant has designed & handcrafted the following Awards & Trophies:

2021 Perpetual & Individual Trophies for the Royal Cork Yacht Club Tricentennial Celebrations

2022 505 World Championship Prizes for the Royal Cork Yacht Club

2022 Prix d’Elegance Perpetual Trophy for Volvo Cork Week

WAVE 2022 Awards for Howth Yacht Club as Presentation Gifts to the Regatta Sponsors.

2022 Irish Sailing Trophies for the Youth National Championships at Ballyholme Yacht Club.

2023 Student Enterprise Awards for the finalists of the Student Enterprise Programme 2023.

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Private Commissions include Corporate Service Awards, Private Sculptures & Garden Art.

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“Quality is never an accident. It is always the result of intelligent effort”

John Ruskin.