Bio : Hamish Mackie

Hamish Mackie describes his bronze sculptures as coming from a traditional background; the original is closely observed from life and then cast into bronze. However, Hamish's method is loose and energetic, creating his own interpretation of the subject, which enables him to capture power and movement. Establishing himself as one of the top British wildlife sculptors, Hamish has been sculpting as a career since 1996 and has works in public and private collections around the world.

Born in 1973, Hamish Mackie is largely self taught as a sculptor. He grew up on a farm in Cornwall and began sculpting at Radley College, before going on to study at Falmouth School of Art, and Kingston University.

His sculptures are created on a foundation of anatomy and form. This generates a surface that exudes energy, spirit and character. He does not aim to render a photographic representation of the subject, but instead his own perception of the soul of the animal. His works explore a spectrum of emotions ranging from power through grace to intelligence. Hamish's manipulation of his materials is critical to achieving this, often leaving dramatic visible traces of the sculpting activity, the bronze then keeps this surface liveliness when it is cast.

Hamish works closely with the Foundry, pushing the boundaries of casting metals such as bronze, silver and stainless steel. Simon Allison who runs Lockbund Sculpture Foundry has always said, "You sculpt what you want and we'll work out how to cast it." Hamish has taken up this challenge working closely with Lockbund for 17 years creating sculptures as small and delicate as the diving Kingfisher as well as monumental outdoor installations.

Hamish has recently won a major public art commission for six life and a quarter size bronze horses for Berkeley Homes Goodman’s Field development in London. This is a year long project involving six different breeds of horse ranging from the elegant and exotic Arab to our home-grown powerhouse, the Shire.  By the time the commission is finished it will have incorporated six tonnes of clay, one tonne of silicon rubber and three tonnes of bronze.

Whilst working flat out on the commission Hamish admits time in the studio is also a time to reflect on past works and look forward to consolidating new ideas. Future plans include more ‘fossil hybrids’ and more travelling.  Not long returned from dromedary excursions in Dubai and elephant spotting in Namibia, Hamish’s next trip is to Russia where he looks forward to sculpting Arctic Turns, Ospreys and Fish Eagles.