Jean Lemonnier lives and works in Brittany, France in the town of La Gacilly where he has his studio/gallery ‘le chat Noir’ (the black cat). Jean is a mainly self taught artist, but he spent six months at the academy of art at Brussels in Belgium learning certain techniques.

Jean Lemonnier works in a variety of materials: clay, wood, stone and bronze, he also uses scrap metal for some of his creations. Jean sculpts blocks of marble, schist and onyx and tree trunks and roots. His work is figurative; it represents the living world of people and animals. There are a myriad of birds and beasts, of all shapes and sizes ranging from life size bears to jaunty robins and kingfishers. His sculpture is an expressive witness to the beauty of our threatened planet.

Rewarded by numerous prizes and distinctions, his work is visible in many exhibitions and galleries. His monumental pieces can be seen both in towns and in private companies.

Jean Lemonnier grew up by the sea in Normandy, France. There he discovered the fluidity of form of the sea creatures which have rested the mainstay of his inspiration since his youth. Despite his in depth knowledge of the animal kingdom Jean Lemonnier has freed himself from the constraints of a naturalist to gives free rein to his desire to capture the essence of an animal’s movement, shape or character.
A parade of plump penguins and sleek puffins, wagtails, walruses and woodpeckers, a sweet jenny wren, grumpy bears and sexy sea lions, join with a boxer and skiers, a mayor, an air-hostess, and a mermaid in the unique universe of Jean Lemonnier.

Distinctions

2005 - Nommé peintre officiel de la Marine.

- Médaille d’argent au salon de la Marine.

2003 - Lauréat du prix Une œuvre de faïence par le Musée de Quimper.

- Invité d’honneur du salon des Artistes français à Paris.

2002 - Prix Édouard Marcel Sandoz, salon national des Artistes animaliers de Bry-sur-Marne.

- Médaille d’honneur au salon des Artistes français à Paris.

2001 - Prix Édouard Marcel Sandoz de la fondation Taylor.

- Distinction au salon de la Marine à Paris.

- Médaille d’or au salon national des Artistes animaliers de Bry-sur-Marne.

2000 - Médaille d’argent des Arts, Sciences et Lettres.

- Médaille d’or au salon des Artistes français à Paris.

1999 - Médaille d’argent au salon des Artistes français à Paris.

1998 - Médaille d’argent au salon de la Marine à Paris.

1989 - 1er prix de sculpture au salon d’Automne d’Aurillac.