LO3.1- Clay Animal Sculptress Nick Mackman

Clay Animal Sculptures: Nick Mackman

·        Born 1972 in Beverly, Yorkshire

·        Took Foundation Course in Art and Design- York College Of Art and Technology. Originally painted on canvas, then discovered clay on this course.

·        HND- ceramics- Carmarthenshire College of Technology Of Art- awarded distinction, Trudy Norman Award, and “Student Of The Year 1993”

·        University Of Wales Institute Cardiff- Ceramics degree

·        1997- Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation Award

·        Great love for animals, especially dogs.

·        Worked as a rhino keeper in Chester Zoo during HND course, which allowed her to observe the mannerisms of animals, get involved and study the nature of a wide variety of them. This is evident in her sketch and photography work, with reference to, and research from wildlife documentaries, books and magazines. Enjoys studying everyday life of animals including activities such as courtships, relations between mothers and children etc.

·        Has also travelled to Botswana, Madagascar, and Nepal to observe wild animals, which she represented in photographs and sketches.

·        Was invited to visit the Luangwa National Park in Zambia by the Bushcamp Company in 2010.

·        She uses T-material (strongest type of clay), with paper pulp for a lightweight but strong result. The pulp achieves it’s lightweight advantage by burning out in the firing, which then allows for more structural possibilities.

·        Uses papier mache, which is unbreakable and lends itself to clay, on more delicate extremities. Bristles are also used sometimes to complete some of her pieces.

·        2010- won Open Category in Wildlife Artist Of The Year Competition, a small, yet effective charity which funds African and Asian projects working to help save wild critically endangered animals.

·        Raku fires most of her pieces, to give a natural, rich crackled glaze.

·        Focuses more on the beauty, humour and tenderness of animals rather than their ugliness or aggressive nature.

·        Widely exhibited.

·        Accepted British Airway and Wildlife Photographer Of The Year Competition commissions, in which she created trophies for the award winners.

·        Regularly undertakes animal sculptural commissions for private collectors and corporate clients.

·        Celebrities such as John Cleese, Judy Dench, David Shepherd, Chris Packham and Viscountess Serena Linley, as well as others, own sculptures which she has made.

·        Lives in Devon, South West England, with her husband, two dogs and twin children.

Quotes relating to Nick and her work:

“Some of my animals are relatively unknown or highly endangered. It is with these animals that I try to bridge the gap in current public perception. I aim to enlighten people to the beauty, humour and tenderness of those animals that are largely seen or represented as purely aggressive, dangerous or ugly. Above all, I hope that humankind will feel the individuality of each animal and appreciate its intrinsic beauty.


“The passion which powers my work has evolved from my awareness, awe and wonder of the strangeness of the animal kingdom and its complex survival structures and systems. I hope that my pieces will encourage understanding and compassion from the human individual which in turn will result in a deeper level of enjoyment, respect and admiration for the beauty in the beast.”


Patrick Johnson 11S1