Listen to me here on BBC Radio Scotland chatting with Michelle McManus about women's stories, women in the Arts and how I became a sculptor.

https://youtu.be/G1ZxiZfbqQU?si=B6yxEnodOh82wdiY

Incredibly honoured that one of my portraits of Dr Elsie Inglis is now part of the Permanent collection at Surgeons' Hall Museum, Edinburgh. You can vosit her in the main Playfair corridor. Delighted it shall remain on public display and my great grandchildren may see it! Also really proud to have my work in such an accomplished art collection!

I’m also absolutely thrilled to have received an honour from Scottish Parliament for my work!

NATASHA PHOENIX

I am a sculptor, artist and equality advocate based in East Lothian, Scotland. I'm also a qualified teacher (BEDHons)and offer small workshops and individual tutoring, plus community work.

I am passionate about equality and representation. I have committed myself to raising the profile of women in art, particularly the lack of sculptures of women. Also how women are portrayed in sculpture.

I believe that women should have be given the opportunities to tell their own stories, to represent themselves in public art. To have their voices heard and their achievements recognized.

I am passionate about dismantling the patriarchy and creating a fairer and more inclusive world for everyone.

CONTEMPORARY WORKS

My larger works and portraiture, are inspired by the female human body in both it’s aesthetic and diversity. I love to explore the transitional nature of the human form and function. I seek to capture the real essences and transformation of pregnancy, breastfeeding, puberty and ageing. I create sculpture that celebrates the beauty of female bodies, scars, stretch marks, rolls of fat and all of the stunning unique features of the individuals I sculpt. My work is LGBTQ+ inclusive.

PORTRAITURE

I'm currently sculpting women and girls, portraits in sculpture are predominantly of men and I'm hoping to readdress this balance and encourage women to have their portraits made. There is something very powerful in commissioning your own portrait and celebrating yourself. I am asking all women to come forward to have their portrait done for an large exhibition planned 2024/2026.

I have trained with some of the very best portrait sculptors in the world and I'm constantly discovering new and exciting texture, technique and form.

I also teach portraiture, look out for my workshops.