A stonemason for many years before devoting himself fully to sculpture, Richard Mougel has developed a relationship with his material shaped by experience. From Carrara marble to Chauvigny and Tervoux stone, each block is carefully selected before the sculptor’s hand begins to reveal the form within.
Everything begins with the stone. Before even imagining what it might become, Richard Mougel observes its veining, colour, density and character.
His understanding of the material comes not only from his artistic practice. It was built over many years working as a stonemason—an experience that continues to inform his approach to sculpture today.
“I go to Italy myself to choose my blocks.”
In the quarries of Carrara or Portovenere, selecting the block therefore becomes the first stage of the creative process. Stone imposes its own constraints, while also suggesting what it might become.
A Bestiary Between Power and Restraint
The animal world occupies a central place in Richard Mougel’s work. Gorillas, tigers, owls, cobras and snakes form a bestiary in which the sculptor seeks above all the accuracy of a posture and the presence of the animal.
The Gorilla, carved from black Portovenere marble, conveys restrained power. The Tiger, sculpted from white Carrara marble, concentrates its energy in a poised stance. With the Owl, the artist instead explores the contrast between polished and matt surfaces, allowing light to animate the stone.
From one work to another, the properties of the material become an integral part of the sculpture itself.
Mastery Behind the Apparent Simplicity
Although the forms may appear to emerge naturally, their creation relies on rigorous preparation.
Depending on the work, Richard Mougel produces clay studies before beginning direct carving—a process that leaves little room for hesitation, as every removal of material is irreversible.
“Before I begin, the sculpture is already constructed in my mind.”
Anticipation, precision and patience therefore accompany every gesture.
At a time when machines are taking up an increasingly important place in workshops, Richard Mougel remains deeply attached to a direct understanding of the material and to the craftsmanship acquired over many years.
Yet technical virtuosity is never an end in itself. On the contrary, it must disappear behind the work.
Behind each sculpted animal lies an essential question: how can stone be transformed without losing the qualities that give it its strength?
How does Richard Mougel select his stone? What role does his experience as a stonemason still play in his artistic practice? And how does he create sculptures in which technical mastery seems to disappear behind the presence of the animal?
Read the complete portrait of Richard Mougel
FAQ – Richard Mougel
Richard Mougel is a French sculptor and former stonemason. His extensive experience with stone informs an artistic practice in which an intimate knowledge of marble and other natural materials plays an essential role.
What materials does Richard Mougel use?
Richard Mougel works with Carrara and Portovenere marble as well as different types of stone, including Chauvigny and Tervoux stone. He personally selects some of his blocks from Italian quarries.
What does Richard Mougel depict in his sculptures?
The animal world lies at the heart of Richard Mougel’s work. Gorillas, tigers, owls, cobras and snakes form a sculptural bestiary in which he explores the accuracy of posture, the qualities of the material and the physical presence of the animal.
Where can I discover more about Richard Mougel’s work?
ART MAG International features Richard Mougel in “Stone as a Natural Choice” in issue #34, with a more extensive presentation of his career, his relationship with stone and his sculptural practice.