Robin sculpture

Ahhh, little Robin. Bobbin. Bob. 

Arguably the nation’s favourite bird, robins hold such a special place in the hearts of so many of us, myself included. 

During the cold winter months, when much of the natural world has gone to sleep until Spring, the robin’s cheerful brightness keeps us company and reminds us that there’s still life.

A sign of comfort to so many people, robins often draw close – as if they know us. In fact there’s the saying that “a robin will appear when a loved one is near.” Maybe it’s because we’ve come to know them as messengers with their association around Christmas that they bring us festive cheer all year round.

For me, I gained a new admiration for them when I got the privilege of watching a family grow up in my garden. 

Appearing from nowhere, what can only be described as a grumpy little thrush appeared on the bench. Then another, just as grumpy, appeared next to it. Two robin fledgelings! Those poor parents were run ragged feeding their ever-gaping mouths. What a treat to watch them. 

Creating robin sculptures

Sculpting robins is all about the roundness. 

When people call them “fat”I find it highly unfair – they’re just fluffed up to keep warm. A bit like us putting our ‘big coats’ on. I like my robins fluffed up, it makes them more cuddleable.

Their round bellies remind me of Father Christmas and his round red belly. How funny they’re both ingrained in Christmas traditions. It makes me wonder how many robins he’d need to make his sleigh fly. He wouldn’t need a reindeer with a luminous nose either.

When I shape a sculpture I run my hands over the clay, forming and smoothing it, stroking it and loving it. When you have one of my sculptures I imagine you doing the same and feeling soothed, calm and connected, just as I was.

Alongside their shape, their eyes are really important for me to connect with. They’re like mirrors reflecting back how I would imagine they see me looking at them – with unconditional love, joy, a soulful connection and a little sparkle of mischief. Because what’s life without a little mischief?

Take Me To see all the robin sculptures