Meet Dee Goodwill
I’m Dee Goodwill, an animal sculptor, wife, mum and lifelong animal lover. My home studio is where my love of animals and my passion for creating come together, allowing me to bring the character and spirit of the natural world to life through sculpture.
My journey into sculpture wasn’t something I’d planned. After life’s challenges led me back to art, I discovered a passion I hadn’t known was waiting for me. What began as a return to creativity soon became something much more — a way to express myself, challenge my abilities and create something meaningful.
Today, I create sculptures inspired by everything from much-loved animal companions to fascinating wildlife. Every animal has its own character and story, and capturing that individuality is what makes sculpting so special to me.
My Journey Into Art
Art has been woven into Dee’s life for as long as she can remember.
Art has been part of my life since childhood. I loved drawing, but as life brought new responsibilities, my pencils and paints were gradually set aside.
In 2019, a serious illness changed my life in ways I could never have expected. After battling cancer and an inoperable tumour, I was left with lasting health challenges that changed what I could do and what my future might look like.
During that difficult time, I found my way back to art. I began drawing again, experimenting with soft pastels and pastel pencils, and rediscovered the joy of creating. I started with horses and frogs, gradually building my confidence and challenging myself to try new things.
But it was an unexpected encounter with a block of modelling clay that changed everything. The moment I began sculpting, something clicked. It felt completely natural, as though I had been doing it all my life. I had found the creative passion I had been searching for, and I haven’t looked back.
Giving Life to Endangered Wildlife
Wildlife has always fascinated me. I’m drawn to the individuality of each animal, from the familiar creatures we see around us to the lesser-known species whose beauty and struggles often go unnoticed.
Through my sculptures, I hope to encourage people to look a little closer, discover something new and develop a deeper appreciation for the animals that share our world. For me, it’s about more than capturing an animal’s appearance — it’s about expressing its character, telling its story and celebrating the wildlife that deserves to be seen.
From Clay to Finished Sculpture
Every sculpture begins with an idea and takes shape through patience, observation and attention to detail. I work to capture the character and individuality of each animal, from its expression and posture to the little details that make it unique.
Once the clay work is complete and the sculpture has been fired, I can bring it to life with colour and finishing touches. It’s a process that combines my love of animals with the joy of creating something lasting by hand.
Inspired by Every Animal
From the smallest details to the most expressive features, every animal has something that makes it special. I love observing their individual character and finding ways to capture that personality in clay.
Whether I’m sculpting wildlife or a much-loved companion, it’s those little details that bring each piece to life.
A Lifelong Love of Animals
My love of animals has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. In my younger years, I worked as head groom for a professional show jumper, combining my love of horses with the hands-on care they needed. Later, I moved into office work to help support my family and my own love of animals.
Over the years, rescue has also played a big part in my life. I’ve helped dogs find loving homes and shared my home with a variety of wonderful animals. My family and I have a particular soft spot for reptiles, too, and have rescued many over the years.
Today, our home is full of animal character, especially thanks to our much-loved miniature dachshunds. Animals bring so much personality, comfort and joy into our lives, and that connection continues to inspire the sculptures I create.
It’s this lifelong affection for animals — their individuality, their spirit and the place they hold in our hearts — that lies at the heart of my work.
The Animals Behind My Inspiration
