Ian  SWALES  Artist

Ian Swales - Artist ​

I’m Ian, and this is simply about what I love doing – sculpting, drawing, painting, making, playing, and experimenting with forms, ideas and materials that excite me.

Figurative sculpture has always been my inspiration. From the expressive power of Rodin and Henry Moore, to the creativity, honesty and beauty of David Nash and Andy Goldsworthy – these artists have all influenced and fuelled my passion.

After completing my foundation studies with distinction, I applied to the only figurative sculpture course in the UK and was fortunate enough to be accepted. I studied at Stafford College of Figurative Sculpture, part of the Henry Dalton Institute of Figurative Art – a place that allowed me to fully immerse myself in the discipline and hone my craft.

For years, I shaped clay and bronze into detailed representations of the natural world. But alongside sculpture, I’ve always had a deep love for life drawing and expressive mark making – and that’s exactly how I approach landscapes. I’m more interested in atmosphere and emotion than photographic perfection. Nature already does perfection better than I ever could, so I focus on movement, texture and feeling. I work fast and loose, then return with energy to add marks and layers. I’m also fascinated by industrial and decaying landscapes. While I love nature, I’m equally drawn to the grit, graffiti and forgotten places. There’s something powerful in the contrast – beauty in the brutal.

After stepping away from art to focus on my family and career, I eventually found myself returning to it as a way to support my mental health. I was drawn back to the simplicity and immediacy of drawing, while charcoal and paint became my tools of choice for their accessibility and affordability. For me, it’s not about chasing perfection or achieving photo-realistic likeness—it’s about the process.

 

The act of creating brings me peace, satisfaction, and a genuine sense of fun. Painting and drawing are ways for me to experiment and express myself freely. If the end result resonates with someone else, fab