Nichola Theakston invokes animal spirits in her contemplative bronze sculptures — Colossal



Art

#animals #bronze #Nichola Theakston #sculpture

As early as 5,000 years ago, the ancient Egyptians worshiped the goddess betting, who took the form of a lioness, a fierce warrior deity associated with the sun. She was seen as a protector during pregnancy and childbirth and a protector against evil spirits and disease. Over time, her likeness took on the characteristics of a domestic cat, which in successive dynasties assumed a cult status, and the animals were revered and raised for protection and sacrifice. Along with mythological beings such as Sekhmetanother lion-faced solar goddess of medicine, the deities form an integral part of the sculptor Nicholas Theakstonthe soulful exploration into history, lore, and the spirits of animals.

Working in pottery and bronze, Theakston’s practice (previously) is centered around meditative depictions of mammals, drawing on ancient sources to connect viewers with contemporary concerns and timeless perceptions. shared consciousness ». With a focus on faces, he often leaves bodies unfinished, hinting at shoulders or limbs while highlighting details in jaws, ears, and eyebrows.

Detail of “Sacred Langur 2” (2023), bronze, edition of 15, 27 centimeters high

Informed by her work with ceramics, Theakston is constantly evolving her approach to nuances of texture and color. Each piece, first sculpted by hand before being cast in bronze, brings an organic and expressive approach that highlights the presence of the artist’s hand. The surfaces feature fine incision marks, elbows and notches, drawing attention to elegant silhouettes and the soft folds of the ears and eyelids. A range of patination techniques, which the artist is constantly experimenting with and developing, create subtle shifts in contrast and tonality so that no two are exactly alike.

“I’ve been working recently on canine and feline subjects with reference to ancient Egyptian ancestors and sculptural representations,” Theakston tells Colossal. In « Pariah », the beloved Mediterranean podenco of the artist named Nola mirrors the elegant characteristics of Anubis, the dog-headed Egyptian god of funerary rights and inaugurator of the underworld. “Nola seems to embody her ancient ancestors and our woven human connection to both very well at times,” he says.

“Resting with Ancients” will be on display with Sladmore Gallery in the context of London Art Week from June 30 to July 7, and if you are in the Netherlands, you can find his work at Laren art right with The Art Salonwhich runs from 16 to 18 June. Theakston is currently launching a new macaque study at Fine Arts Foundry of the Castle in Powys, Wales. See more about her website AND Instagram.

“Pariah”, bronze, edition of 12, 60 x 56 cm

“Sacred Langur 2” (2023), bronze, edition of 15, 27cm tall

“Resting with Ancients” (2023), edition of 12, bronze, 46 x 44 x 26 centimeters

« Sekhmet », bronze, edition of 12, 46 x 39 x 48 cm

“Bastet Studio 4”, bronze, edition of 15, 27 cm

Detail of “Bastet Study 4”, bronze, edition of 15.27cm

“Monkey Sketch 4” (2023), bronze, 15.27cm edition

Detail of “Bastet 2”, bronze

« Bastet 2 », bronze

#animals #bronze #Nichola Theakston #sculpture

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