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! Delighted it shall remain in the collection and my great grandchildren may see it! Also 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!

Delighted to have all 3 entries to the Scottish Portrait Awards 2023 longlisted !

NATASHA PHOENIX

I am a sculptor and ceramics artist based in East Lothian, Scotland. I create both large contemporary works, portraiture and smaller collectable pieces. I'm also a qualified teacher (BEDHons)and offer small workshops and individual tutoring.

CONTEMPORARY WORKS

My larger works and portraiture, are inspired by the 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 raw beauty 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. I am passionate about raising the profile of women in art, particularly the lack of sculptures of women. Also how women are portrayed in sculpture.

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 your own physical beauty. I am asking all women to come forward to have their portrait done for an large exhibition planned 2024/2025.

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.

COLLECTABLES

My Scottish raku sculptures are inspired by the beautiful ancient buildings I see around East Lothian and beyond. Wee but'n'ben cottages, small village houses with sash and case windows, tall characterful tenements.