Interview with Amy Goodman: Sculptor and Portrait Artist

Amy, you have worked as a sculptor for over 25 years.  Could you tell us about how your career started and how it has progressed?

My passion for art began early—I’d often stay late after school to work on intricate pieces in pottery class, like St. George & the Dragon. Horses, a lifelong love, have naturally become recurring subjects in my work, and I was fortunate to have supportive art teachers who encouraged me to pursue this path. This led to a Fine Art degree at Southampton Institute (now Solent University) from 1994 to 1997, where a commission in my final year to sculpt racing driver Graham Hill for the British Racing Drivers’ Club became a major milestone.

Since then, I’ve embraced diverse challenges across mediums, subjects, and scales. In 2006, I created six life-size welded-steel footballers for Manchester United’s “The Kit Room” hospitality suite, opening new creative directions for me. I’ve enjoyed working on a wide range of projects, from large garden sculptures and wildlife pieces to portraiture, balustrades, bronzes, and teaching.

My first public work was a stainless steel tree guard for The Lights Theatre in Andover in 2010, followed by three Pegasi in Nottingham and an Angel for the University of Winchester in 2012. The Romsey War Horse & Trooper project in 2014-15 marked a turning point, inspiring many works to follow, all of which fuel my passion for capturing life and movement in sculpture.

Your work predominantly focuses on animals (particularly horses and dogs), and people.  Why are you so inspired by these subjects?

I’ve always felt a deep connection to animals, especially horses and dogs, having been around them much of my life. This familiarity allows me to capture their character and movement in a way that feels authentic.

Figuration has become increasingly prominent in my work as well, with commissions allowing me to explore the essence of people alongside animals.

I strive to bring each piece to life by balancing intricate details with expressive, textured areas, whether I’m working in clay, plaster, or sculpting three-dimensional forms in steel. This balance, where a piece remains dynamic without being overworked, is crucial to capturing the true essence of my subjects.

Do you have a favourite sculpture that you have created?  Or a project that you are most proud of?

The Romsey War Horse & Trooper is undoubtedly a favourite. I had always dreamed of sculpting a life-size war horse in clay to be cast in a medium that could withstand the elements in a public space.

When the opportunity arose to pitch for this project, I was tunnel visioned, and receiving the good news was overwhelming.

The project’s research process was fascinating—I became involved in fundraisers, met wonderful local people, and listened to their stories, often filled with harrowing accounts of loss and sacrifice during the war, where millions of lives were lost.

Inspired by Lionel Edwards, I aimed to capture the bond between a soldier and his horse, portraying them injured and weary after battle, but in elegant harmony. My goal was to make the piece emotive yet not overly sentimental.

It was a dream commission, and I poured my heart and soul into it. I’m grateful that this work has led to so many other incredible projects, from Treo 63DM to the Arborfield Horses, the Airborne Soldier, the Gurkha Memorial, Florence Nightingale, Sir Stirling Moss, the Glimmer Twins and more.

You recently unveiled a life-size statue of the late Queen Elizabeth II in Andover.  Could you tell us more about this commission please.

Commissioned by Test Valley Borough Council, this life-size statue of Queen Elizabeth II is one of a pair—a “sister” to a second sculpture I have the honour of creating, which will depict her at the time of her Coronation for Romsey.

I think of them as the “Sister Queens,” each capturing her essence at a different stage of her remarkable life. This statue shows her in her later years, radiating warmth, wisdom, and her signature smile and wave. I aimed to portray her in the Robe of State, which she wore for the State Opening of Parliament, adding both dignity and approachability to her presence, and her scale is perfectly in harmony with the park where she now stands. Town Mills Riverside Park in central Andover.

This robe however is more than just ceremonial attire—it’s a canvas that tells the story of our community’s memories and creativity. Through a series of workshops at local schools, Andover Nursing Home, and the Second Sundays market, residents of all ages shared their memories and contributed their own mini canvases inspired by the Queen’s 70 years of service. Their designs became my inspiration, bringing together local pride and personal reflections that are now woven into the statue itself, creating a true community tribute.

The statue is sited on an engraved Haddonstone pedestal.  How important was it to you to find the ‘right’ way to elevate the statue?

I wanted something fitting and elegant. I wished her to be approachable and not set up high like much historical statuary.

It’s also important for visitors to be able to approach and clearly view the imagery inscribed on the statue’s robe.

Haddonstone’s budget fitted as well, and I wanted it to be compatible with the two Portland Stone steps I had incorporated into the design.

What has your experience of working with Haddonstone been like?

I found them to be very helpful, enthusiastic and professional.

They also finished ahead of schedule.

What’s the most interesting and/or exciting part of your role as a sculptor?

Working with diverse subject matter, mediums and clients.

Being pushed out of my comfort zone. I love a challenge.

What advice would you give to budding sculptors?

Believe in yourself, work hard, be tenacious, keep learning, strive to improve all the time.

If you have the opportunity to visit professional creatives in their work spaces you will find it very inspirational.

Make what you love not what you think will sell.

If you stick at it, work hard and make what you love it will shine through.

Would you like to chat through some ideas?

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