Sculpting the Wild: Nature in Clay

In a quiet corner of the Cotswolds, sculptor Alex Hickman brings the wild to life in the most unexpected way. From delicate seahorses to majestic stags and elephants, his ceramic creations capture the raw beauty and spirit of nature with breathtaking realism.

Drawn to sculpture while at a crossroads in life, he returned to a childhood love of shaping and moulding, whether it was Play-Doh or Blu-Tac and soon rediscovered the joy of creating with his hands. “It felt like the most natural thing to do,” he says.

Inspired endlessly by the natural world, his work celebrates every texture, curve, and movement found in it. Each piece begins with an idea, sometimes spontaneous, sometimes carefully planned before being built up from a wire armature and shaped in clay. Once sculpted, the form is hollowed, refined, and prepared for the kiln.

“I like to let the clay speak for itself,” he explains. “There’s an elegance in its natural tone that feels honest, it mirrors the beauty of the creatures I’m trying to capture.”

His dedication and talent have earned recognition beyond the Cotswolds. A porcelain African bull elephant, striking in both power and grace, was shortlisted for David Shepherd’s Wildlife Artist of the Year, a fitting accolade for a piece that balances weight, emotion, and movement so perfectly.

This winter, as the Cotswolds settle into a quieter rhythm and the countryside takes on its muted beauty, his work feels especially resonant. The simplicity of raw clay, the stillness of form, and the reverence for wildlife echo the season’s calm.

“I want people to feel inspired to reconnect with the world around them,” he says. “If they can see the beauty in my sculptures, they can see the beauty in the nature that inspired them.”

For those seeking something truly personal, Alex Hickman also welcomes commissions, creating bespoke pieces that capture both the individuality of his subjects and the timeless beauty of the natural world.

Written by Natalie Millington

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