John Rainey, a sculptor based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, is preparing for a transformative artistic residency in Italy that will merge centuries-old stone carving traditions with cutting-edge robotic technology. Originally from Omagh, Rainey has built a reputation for pushing creative boundaries by blending classical sculptural methods with modern digital tools. His upcoming journey represents a significant evolution in his practice as he ventures into marble sculpture for the first time, supported by a grant from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. The residency will take place in Tuscany, a region renowned for its marble quarries and Renaissance sculptural heritage, providing an ideal setting for this fusion of old and new techniques.

Rainey's fascination with three-dimensional art began in childhood, shaped by his parents' involvement in traditional crafts and object-making. He grew up watching ideas materialize into physical forms, which he describes as a kind of magic that sparked his lifelong passion. This early exposure to the creative process led him to pursue formal studies in England before establishing his career as a professional sculptor. Initially specializing in ceramics, Rainey gradually incorporated digital technologies such as 3D scanning and printing into his workflow, seeing them as natural extensions of artistic possibility rather than replacements for traditional skills. His background gives him a unique perspective on how craftsmanship evolves while maintaining its essential human core.

The sculptor's creative philosophy centers on transforming familiar images into something unexpected and slightly unsettling. Rainey deliberately introduces elements that appear to have gone wrong, embracing moments where a piece breaks away from its intended form. This approach creates storytelling objects that challenge viewers' perceptions and invite deeper contemplation. He views digital technology as a tool that, when embedded within a broader creative process, opens new avenues for form-making that would be impossible through manual methods alone. However, he maintains that digital fabrication should never completely replace hands-on craftsmanship, arguing that the most compelling work emerges from their integration.

During his Italian residency, Rainey will work with massive blocks of Tuscan marble, beginning the process in a virtual environment using sophisticated 3D modeling software. Technicians will then program robotic carving equipment to remove approximately eighty percent of the material, following his digital designs precisely. The final month of the residency will involve Rainey working directly on the piece by hand, refining surfaces and adding the subtle details that only human touch can achieve. He draws an intriguing parallel between this modern workflow and Renaissance masters who employed teams of assistants to rough out their sculptures before applying the finishing touches themselves. This historical context helps validate contemporary technological assistance as part of a long artistic tradition.

Rainey emphasizes the importance of maintaining international connections despite having a strong creative base in Belfast. He describes the city's art community as robust and an excellent place for production, but notes that engaging with different networks and conversations worldwide remains crucial for artistic growth. The opportunity to relocate temporarily and work in different contexts provides fresh perspectives that inform his practice when he returns home. These experiences help him stay connected to broader artistic dialogues happening beyond Northern Ireland, ensuring his work remains relevant and engaged with global trends. The residency offers him a chance to immerse himself in Italy's rich sculptural history while contributing his own contemporary vision.

The sculptor views his career as a continuous journey of learning and adaptation, where each new technique and technology adds to his creative vocabulary. By combining robotic precision with human artistry, Rainey hopes to create works that honor traditional sculptural values while embracing contemporary innovation. His Italian residency represents not just a personal milestone, but a model for how artists can thoughtfully integrate new technologies without losing the essential human element that gives sculpture its power and meaning. This balanced approach may inspire other artists to explore how digital tools can enhance rather than replace traditional craftsmanship, pointing toward an exciting future for the field.