Born in Toronto July l0, l946, Ralph grew up in Quebec with his father, an engineer. Though later spending some time in British Columbia and Ontario, he would return to finish his studies in Quebec. At the age of fifteen he would undertake his first project, a four foot miniature of the old bridge of Quebec, made of toothpicks and wooden matches. The work is impressive enough to be entered in a local art contest, where it would take first prize.
Now determined to make a career of sculpting, the prodigal young Ireland would make annual treks to St Jean Port-Joli, famous for its sculptors, and get training with the famous Bourgault and Charon families. Jean-Julien Bourgault would soon recognize his profound talent, and advise him to seek his fortune outside Quebec if he intended to live by his art. ...more
