"My sculptures are not conceptual works, where thought is the main thing and sculptural form is ignored. My sculptures are sculptures first and foremost and they are the result of deep emotional responses to the world around me. They are also illustrative, they convey their message to the viewer an a more subtle way. They are triggered by human relationships and predicaments and they find expression through the human figure. It's difficult to explain the creative path. I normally start with drawings and more drawings, where I compose shapes and forms and spaces between these: on paper and in my mind. I draw until I get under the skin of my subject - till I can "feel" that sculpture in me. After constructing the armature I concentrate on the shapes and forms in space - composition and silhouette - then suddenly the work takes on a life of its own - the emotional content starts to manifest itself - the dialogue begins, between myself and the sculpture. This dialogue is essential for me, it's a tremendous stage of discovery. An adventure into my own inner self. The sculpture acquires a spirit and a personality. While I work I'm constantly looking at the composition in space - the tensions within the individual forms and the relationships between them ... to me this is the essence of sculpture."
"My art is my life, and to evoke a response from the viewer is to share part of my life." "Maureen Quin demonstrates a tremendous versatility, with her work ranging from total realism to bold abstraction." "Maureen's ability to capture the grace, movement and energy associated with ballet dancers is clearly evident in these studies in bronze." "Maureen Quin is an artist who expresses a unique sensitivity in form as well as energy for life through her sculptures. Her work is characterized by its dynamic quality and communicates successfully with its surrounding space." "Sculpture is my passion. It is an extension of myself, reflecting my thoughts, my loves, hates, joys and fears. Whether I am involved in representational wildlife studies, realistic figure studies or abstractions, I put my heart and soul into it. Each sculpture is an exciting journey. Starting with a vague concept, sketching it to achieve a visual form, building the armature, fleshing it out and having it cast in bronze are the elements which ultimately are to me the most rewarding and satisfying. In the process I use my talents, experience and my gut feelings to guide me until I'm satisfied within myself that the sculptural form I've created, moves in space and is in harmony with my vision. In my career as a sculptor I've used the human figure extensively. In many of my studies I endeavour to capture the rapport between humans and the animal kingdom by combining the two to create sculptures that are uniquely my own abstract expressive approach. Creating and searching for the ultimate realization of my vision is the fulfillment of my life."
1934	Maureen Quin was born, Bloemfontein district
1954	Diploma in Fine Arts with distinction, majoring in sculpture, from Durban Art School
1956	Won Emma Smith Bursary - studied at Goldsmith College, London
1971	First solo exhibition SA Association of Arts, Pretoria followed by 40 more since then and participating in excess of 20 group exhibitions
1987	Retrospective exhibition at the University of the Orange Free State
1990	Retrospective exhibition at Anton van Wouw house, Pretoria University
1990	Retrospective Exhibition at Potchefstroom University
1992 1994 1996 1998 1999	Standard Bank National Arts Festival, exhibitions and workshops
2000	Pretoria University - Potchefstroom University - Bloemfontein, Oliewenhout Museum
2001	Port Elizabeth, Cuyler Gallery - Durban,  NSA - ABSA Gallery, (Sponsored)
2003	Grahamstown Arts Festival
2006	Grahamstown Arts Festival
Participation in some of the National and International Group Exhibitions:
RSA Festival Exhibition Merensky Trust Wood Exhibition Exhibition of leading SA sculptors Images of Wood Exhibition ABSA exhibition of Eastern Cape Artists
Some of the more important commissions:
2007	Jack Nicklaus - life-size
2006	Rearing Arab Stallion for Gold Souk, Dubai
2006	Bronze bust of Nelson Mandela for Rhodes University, Grahamstown
2005	Life-size Ballet Dancer - private
1999	Red Cross Headquarters, Port Elizabeth, 1.98m sculpture
1973	Potchefstroom University, 3.65m panel for new science block
1975	JLB Smith Ichthyology Institute, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, 3.04x2.13m imbuia door
1980	Ermelo Civic Centre, 2.44m bronze figure
1981	Read memorial for St John's College, Johannesburg
1992	Matty Read Memorial, Roedean School, Johannesburg
1992	Natal Building Society, 2153H Family Group
1997	Private commission, 2 life size figures in bronze, 'Trapeze Artistes'
2000	Cape Minstrels, 3 life size figures in bronze, for GrandWest Casino and Entertainment Centre
Represented in the following more important collections:
Hester Rupert Art Gallery, Graaf-Reinet Ann Bryant Art Collection, East London Standard Bank Art Collection, Johannesburg Stellenbosch Farmers Winery Art Collection Potchefstroom Art Collection Onderstepoort, Pretoria George VI Gallery, Port Elizabeth Standard Bank, Johannesburg CSIR University of Pretoria University of Potchefstroom University of Bloemfontein Oliewenhuis Art Museum, Bloemfontein
Statements from an article by Agurtxane Urraca  Goya Revista De Arte No 282 Madrid 2001