Chrystella McCabe’s creative journey has taken her from a successful career as a food stylist in London and Auckland to her current practice as a wildlife sculptor working from her studio in the heart of beautiful Devon. Her deep love of nature, rooted in a childhood spent in the Gloucestershire countryside, was further enriched by time living in New Zealand and France.
Capturing the unique personality of each creature she sculpts is central to Chrystella’s artistic process. She believes that it is the subtle details, such as the texture of hair or fur, or the expression in the eyes or mouth that truly bring a sculpture to life. For her, it is a misconception to think that only certain animals possess character; every subject has a story to tell.
The transformation from clay to bronze or bronze resin is a process that unfolds over weeks of close observation. Working meticulously, Chrystella builds each form layer by layer, refining anatomical structure and emotional expression. Only when she feels the sculpture has been truly ‘breathed to life’ is it sent for casting. Her personal measure of success is to create a piece that resonates deeply with the viewer, one that invites touch and emotional connection.
