How long does it take to make your animals?

That's not an easy question to answer as some pieces take a lot longer than they should, whilst others can take shape surprisingly quickly. An elephant will usually take about 40 hours to make. A hare takes about 20 hours. Then I have to allow extra time for glazing and finishing.

Have you always loved animals?

I can trace my love of animals back to my first dog, a springer spaniel. I have always loved dogs and much of my childhood was spent obsessively drawing and painting them. It was only when I studied wildlife illustration at college that I really began to explore the animal kingdom in more depth. I drew a great deal of inspiration from David Attenborough's wonderful wildlife documentaries. I always found myself imagining what the animals were thinking.

How do you make your animals appear so realistic?

I spent many months at college studying animal anatomy and physiology. Everything from drawing dinosaur skeletons in the Natural History Museum to studying the muscle groups of animals in motion. I also spent some time as a rhino keeper at Chester Zoo, which I found invaluable. I was able to touch a lot of animals, which proved to be a revelation, especially the elephants and lizards. It also taught me that all animals have their own individual personality, just like domestic dogs and cats. But it's important to note that I never anthropomorphize my animals. I spend a lot of time studying them so that I can convey their different moods, through subtleties of gesture and expression.

Do you work from photographs?

I have observed most of my subjects in real life, either in the wild or in captivity. It's important to spend time with an animal to gain an understanding of how they move, communicate and express themselves. In the studio I try and start with a strong shape and think about the story I am going to tell about the animal. However, to ensure I get the detail right, I also work from my own photographs and other references.

Are your pieces solid?

No, all my pieces are slab built. Slabs of clay are rolled flat and padded with newspaper (the newspaper will combust in the first firing). The body is then assembled piece by piece, held in place temporarily by props.

What type of clay do you use?

I use T-Material, a very strong type of porcelain. I add paper pulp to give additional strength. I also use Craft Crank for warthogs.

What tools do you use?

Apart from my rolling pin and kiln props, I use just four tools, one wooden, two steel-forged and a scoop. I also use a variety of objects (sea shells, rocks, even ballpoint pens) for marking the surface of the clay.

How do you add the bristles and papier maché?

After the piece has been glazed and fired, I cement bristles (and any other media) into place.

Where do you sell your work?

I supply a selection of galleries around the country. Contact details can be found on the Galleries page. You can also commission work through this website. More information can be found on the Commissions page.

Have you ever made your own dogs?

No, but my two dogs are a constant source of inspiration. I can also see the influence of my last dog, a magnificent Irish Water Spaniel, in various guises. In fact two of my African wild dogs so reminded me of him that I ended up keeping them. I would love to model my Short-Haired German Pointer. He is so sculptural.

Do you make birds?

No, I find I simply can't relate to them!

What other artists or sculptors have influenced your work?

The most important influence on my work would be Rembrandt Bugatti, the bronze animal sculptor of the turn of the twentieth century. Other influences include the sculptors Nicola Hicks, Sophie Ryder and Sally Arnup.

What are your favourite animals?

African wild dogs. I can easily relate to them. Physically, they have perfectly proportioned legs, intense eyes, incredibly expressive ears and an understated grace. They have wonderful markings and are beautiful in a rugged way. Wild dog pups are also irresistable, with their chunky legs, enormous ears and fat bellies.