Nicola Godden is a British contemporary sculptor, boasting over 30 years of experience working primarily in plaster and clay for bronze casting. Born in 1959, the Surrey-based artist has produced site-specific works with property companies and other organisations. Her first large commission was the Hammersmith Man figure in 1988. In 2012, the artist created the Icarus sculpture for the Olympic Village in London. The bulk of her work has been private work of various sizes exhibited in galleries in the U.K and Ireland.
Specifically focusing on the human form, the artist’s works express the figure in both abstract and realistic styles. Weaving a narrative into each unique work, the artist focuses on conveying feelings and emotions.
Nicola’s work has developed and changed as she has matured as a professional artist, impacted by the way in which she embraces the transitory phases of her life and pulls from various sources of inspiration. For example, during a marriage break up, her work changed from the calm, smooth and serene ‘Mother and Child’ and ‘Couple’ works. She began to make pieces full of energy and angst which reflected her feelings at that time. This is reflective of a deeply personal relationship with her work.
Nicola’s ideas are elicited from many areas. This includes found objects such as flint or bone found while out walking. Dreams, the subconscious and mythology are themes which she also investigates. Additionally, the artist finds experiences while travelling equally inspiring. Most presently, her ‘Ikarus’ series is inspired by her experience of learning how to fly.
Preferring to create with immediacy and spontaneity, the artist uses the mediums of plaster and clay that give the sculpture tangibility. She enjoys it when people touch the work. Starting with a base of metal supporting armature, aluminium wire is moulded into a rough shape. Lastly, clay and plaster are added rapidly to this form. The rich history linked to bronze casting is valued by the artist, who is deeply involved at each stage of the process.
