Sarah Goodfellow is one of the artists you’ll find at the Surrey Sculpture Society Exhibition at Ramster Garden this May, and her work is well worth seeking out on the trail. From bronze owls to gorilla portraits with a conservation story attached, she is a sculptor whose subjects are as fascinating as her process. We caught up with her to find out more.
Tell us more about how you became a sculptor?
I started by hand building large ceramics in clay. My work quickly became more and more sculptural. I love producing authentic forms in 3D rather than 2D, there are so many angles and planes to get right. Eventually, just after lockdown, I did a one-year course on realist sculpture and anatomy at the Sculpture School in North Devon, which taught me everything I needed to produce my own sculptures from a workshop at home.
Is this your full-time profession?
Yes, essentially. I tend to work very long hours when I’m in a creative flow state or working to deadlines, so I often take time out between sculpts as it can be so time-consuming. It’s full time, but definitely not a nine to five.
What is the inspiration behind your work?
I’m a realist sculptor so I either work to a client brief or make my own subject choices, sometimes weird and wonderful ones. I love a challenge! I’ve spent a lot of time in Kenya and there are still dozens of extraordinary animals out there that I’d love to sculpt.
What materials and techniques do you use?
I usually start by looking at dozens of photographs to decide on a pose and scale. Then I’ll build an armature and apply wet clay, gradually layering up and carving down surfaces using photos and skeletal measurements for reference. I’ve learnt that ‘fresh eyes’ are important. Sometimes I’ll cover a sculpture and leave it for a few days; it’s amazing what you notice when you come back to it.
What is the most unusual or exciting commission you have received?
I took a copy of my gorilla head ‘The Kiss’ to Columbus Zoo to raise money for Rwandan mountain gorilla conservation at their annual auction. As a result, I was subsequently able to travel to Rwanda and see the gorillas in the wild, which was truly incredible.
Which piece of work are you most proud of?
That’s such a hard question. It’s a bit like being asked to choose a favourite child.
What pieces are you exhibiting at Ramster Garden?
I’m exhibiting four new sculptures: ‘Before the Hunt’, a lioness head cast in bronze resin, which I love for her intensity; ‘Touchdown’, an alighting barn owl in solid bronze; and two chickens, a cockerel and hen in resin, which look as if they are scratching around in a garden somewhere. With ‘Touchdown’ I particularly like the juxtaposition between the weight of the bronze and the way the owl appears almost weightless as it lands.
What would you say to someone who wanted to become a sculptor?
It’s very rewarding, but possibly lonelier than you might imagine. We only come out of our studios at exhibition time!
What do you like most about exhibiting at Ramster Garden?
I love the feeling that spring has truly sprung and everybody has come out to enjoy the beautiful gardens and see the sculptures that have been made over the winter. For me it heralds long days and living outside again.
Visit the sculpture trail at Ramster Garden
To see Sarah’s work and other unique sculptures by Surrey’s most talented artists, visit Ramster Garden during May. Follow the trail around the woodland garden, famous for its incredible collection of rhododendrons and azaleas, which will be in full bloom. All sculptures are available to buy through the Surrey Sculpture Society, which has been championing sculpture across the region for over 30 years.
Guided tours
This year, the Surrey Sculpture Society is offering visitors a chance to learn more about the artists and the stories behind the individual pieces with a guided tour. To book your place, visit surreysculpture.org.uk.
Plan your visit
Ramster Garden is open daily 10am–5pm. Garden entry includes the sculpture trail, which follows an accessible route through the grounds. Parking is free and the Tea House serves a seasonal menu of fresh sandwiches, soups, quiches and delicious cakes. Seasonal garden membership is available for those who want to make the most of this beautiful garden throughout spring, summer and autumn.
Getting there: Ramster Garden, Petworth Road, Chiddingfold, Surrey GU8 4SN. Approximately one hour from central London by car or take the train to Haslemere with onward connections.
Admission
Adults £12 | Groups (15+) £11.50 pp (pre-booking required) | Children 5–16 £3 | Under 5s free | Registered disabled £5
For more information, visit ramsterevents.com.
