Artist Spotlight: Nick Mackman SWLA

How does animal observation play a part in your artistic process?

Observations made in the wild are an integral part of the artistic process, you are watching stories unfold. Back in the studio I want to capture those stories in my sculptures. It could be a small gesture I've noticed, an interaction, an interesting behaviour, there has to be a narrative for my animal sculptures to come alive.

What animals or places provide you with the most inspiration?

I keep going back to Zambia because of the rich wildlife it offers at relatively close but unobtrusive viewing. It is no secret that my favourite animal is the wild dog and there is a good chance of spending time with them there. Leopards are regular there too which is an exhilarating watch.

I lead a sculpture safari there every year at Mfuwe Lodge, the lodge where wild elephants walk through the lobby to get to the mango tree. The tree is opposite the deck we sculpt on giving us a unique experience of life sculpture with wild elephants!

You work a lot in ceramic. What drew you to this medium, and what do you feel it adds to a sculpture?

Ever since I got my hands on clay there has been no going back. It is a hugely satisfying media to work with, it's earthly and natural. Working in three dimensions allows you to consider the entire form and not just one angle. You can tell a story even from the back view of an animal, how amazing is that?! I like the presence in the room, the notion that my animals could get up and walk off. Exciting!

Could you tell us about a particularly memorable commission you have done?

My latest commission for The Natural History Museum Wildlife Photographer of the Year is a big one. Every year for 26 years I have sculpted the animals featured in the winning photos. It could be anything in the natural world and I have to work out how to capture it in a trophy.

This year the Grand Title went to Shane Gross and his swarm of tadpoles and the Young Winner, Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas, an aphid and slime mould. Here I had to incorporate various different media in order to tell their story.

I also created 21 blue whale trophies to tie in with the blue whale skeleton that hangs in the entrance hall of the museum.

You are displaying three pieces at The Natural Eye this year. Could you tell us about them?

For the Natural Eye exhibition this year I have submitted one of my favourites, a wild dog 'Hunters Stare', whose eyes capture the clever and relentless hunter they are. I also have the extraordinary pangolin which we should celebrate and conserve. And finally and closer to home, a trio of otters. I occasionally see an otter on the shoreline of the local lake which is thrilling to witness!