INTERNATIONAL sculptor Louise Giblin has returned to her Island roots to stage an exhibition here.

Louise, a world-leading body cast sculptor, attributes her success to her Island upbringing.

She has more than 100 of her sculptures and drawings currently exhibited at Quay Arts, Newport.

Olympians and Meta-Humans - Body Cast Sculptures by Louise Giblin, will be displayed until June 8.

Louise grew up on the Island, with the maiden name McIntosh, and taught at Medina and Ryde high schools in the mid 1980s.

She said returning here to exhibit her body cast sculptures for the first time made her reflect on how her parents’ support and Island ethos enabled her to study art and work collaboratively with others.

"There is a strong sense of community here, social and creative, and people are genuinely interested in encouraging each other: you see that at Quay Arts. Studying art was considered by my parents as a viable option and at Sandown High School I had capable, talented teachers.

"A later encounter with Islander Brian Mayne taught me how to goal map towards a fascinating career. I have been so fortunate."

The exhibition displays a collection of torsos, including those cast directly from the bodies of top British Olympians Dame Kelly Holmes, Kriss Akabusi, Sally Gunnell and Beth Tweddle.

There are also head cast sculptures of Michael Portillo, Lord Colin Moynihan and Eddie 'The Eagle' Edwards.

Also central to the exhibition is a poignant reminder that the First World War was not 'the war to end all wars'. Several hand and body part sculptures of British war veterans who each served in different wars since, are displayed.

Decorated with imagery relating to military careers and conflicts and cast in bronze, these visual records of active service could last for over 3000 years. The project was inspired by Louise's brother, Brigadier (Retd.) John McIntosh, who served in five major conflicts.

A member of the Royal Society of Sculptors, Louise represented the UK at the G7 of Art in Italy last year and won the Gold Medal for Sculpture at Florence Biennale. She is to receive a Contemporary Master of Art award at the Museum of Art and Design, New York this month.

See more at www.louisegiblin.co.uk.