

Following a five-year City & Guilds apprenticeship in panel beating, I developed a deep understanding of metalwork that set me on the path to becoming the sculptor I am today. This foundation continues to inform and shape my practice.
My work begins with reality, allowing each piece to evolve organically toward its own conclusion. It is a contemporary reflection influenced by artists such as Chadwick, Armitage, and Moore, whose approaches to form and material resonate deeply with my own. I rely on instinct in the studio guided by a sense of rhythm to determine the direction of each piece. Attempting to consciously analyse this process would risk disrupting the intuitive connection through which ideas emerge.
Working with materials such as anthracite, iron, steel, copper, brass, bronze, and aluminium I explore both structure and fluidity. Through carving, moulding, and shaping, I create angular forms defined by tension and strength, while techniques using the English wheel and anvil allow me to introduce softer, more flowing curves. These skills, refined over many years, enable me to transform rigid materials into expressive, dynamic forms.
Movement is central to my practice, often transitioning into more abstract expressions. Metal offers endless possibilities, allowing me to bring my visions into physical form. The transformation of a flat, inert sheet into something complex and evocative is at the core of my work; it is both my discipline and my passion.
My practice is continually evolving, driven by curiosity and an enduring sense of exploration. The diversity of my sculptures reflects this ongoing process. I aim to create works that stimulate the viewer, provoking questions about the nature of the material and the processes behind its transformation.
I am particularly drawn to working at life scale, creating pieces that invite a physical and emotional response. Ultimately, I hope to encourage the viewer to engage with the work not only visually, but also through a sense of touch and presence.

‘WHY NOT PEACE?’
INSECURE
FEMALE PAIR
XERAPHINA
ABSTRACT FORM XV
Nick Rodgers