RISE Sculptor 2026

Ben Poole-Phillips is an emerging sculptor working from the studio of his late grandfather, A. John Poole FRSS.  Since the folklore and mythology of prehistory birds have acted as mystical intermediaries between the mortal boundaries of the land and the spiritual realm of the sky. Predictors of death, weather and the fall of great armies, birds have been surrogate demi gods. They are shrines to the natural world and induce silent contemplation as a form of worship. We have come from the water and dream of the sky. Birds are the bridge, symbols of transition. These works are as we are, between the petal and bone. Historically, the production of iconography has not been formalist but can be seen as an offering of skill, energy and time to a higher power. These birds are my offerings.