Dan Lane
Heavy is the Head That Wears the Crown | 2023

About this new piece, Dan says: "'Heavy Is The Head That Wears The Crown' is bold and dramatic, yet the title suggests an element of humbleness. The saying that was used for the title has been spoken in many ways by many people over the years. Its initial meaning was obviously the worries of a king, queen or leader but I believe we are all equal and the leaders of our own lives. Every now and then we have things that challenge or worry us, and that's OK."

'When All is Equal' is a bronze version of Dan's sold-out sculpture which was originally created in polished stainless steel. Its bronze incarnation offers a mellower, but no less stunning, take on Dan's view of his view on man's relationship with the natural world. “I wanted to create a sculpture that showed that mankind and the natural world can live in balance and harmony as equals. Nature has never taken from us, yet we have exploited nature’s generosity.”

Read on to find out more about Dan's work, and click here to shop from the full collection.

Former engineer Dan Lane's works certainly have a contemporary, urban edge, but as an artist, he is hugely influenced by the Renaissance. He is inspired by the sculptures found in churches and cathedrals around the world, particularly the flamboyant styling of the Italian sculptor and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the artist credited with creating the Baroque style of sculpture.

Nature also influences Dan's art, with many pieces featuring flowers, insects and birds. For his original 3D sculptures, Dan experiments with colours, finishes and textures. These include crushed glass, gold and silver leaf, marble, bronze and glass diamonds. His experience as an engineer allows him to construct concepts as physical creations. Constant research, development and experimentation with methods and materials, coupled with his ability to blend thematic elements, results in work that is simultaneously stylistically distinct and ever-evolving.

A common motif in his work is the hummingbird, which is an important part of the design of both  'Heavy is the Head That Wears the Crown' and 'When All is Equal'. Dan explains: "I use these a lot in my work and see them as one of the most delicate and beautiful things in nature. For me, the hummingbird symbolises how fragile the natural world is; yet with some hard work, we can fix things."