Nic Joly

Nic's artistic career was born in a stained glass and metal workshop. Inspired by the European painters Hieronymus Bosch and Pieter Bruegel, the former furniture designer explored his own unique style and began to create his tiny figurines. Each one is made from wire, paper and clay in his Hampshire studio, with Nic recently turning his hand to LED technology and 3D printing. A wizard of mediums, he has experimented with everything from Japanese inks to toilet roll, acrylics, soil and glitter to bring his miniature scenes to life. 

Interspersing autobiographical elements with wry observations and a healthy dose of swear words, the sculptor's limited edition and original sculptures expose taboos to get to the truth of how we really feel. Humorous depictions of the vices of the modern world are combined with touching explorations of subjects such as mental health and war. To date, he has raised over £80,000 for The Royal British Legion through the sale of his ‘Never Forgotten’ sculpture, which commemorates the fallen soldiers of World War One.

His 65 Weeks collection reveals his thoughts, observations and emotions following the announcement of the UK COVID-19 lockdown. They are both humorous – including a raunchy sex scene and the frenzy of panic-buying toilet roll – and poignant, exploring Nic’s struggle with depression and the love he feels for his wife and children. He says: “This is the most ambitious release I’ve ever done and also the most personal collection I’ve ever created. I wanted to do something hopeful."

Released in October 2021, his #365 series includes a party-themed artwork with customisable acrylic letters that can be mixed and matched to create a truly unique piece. Nic says: "You can choose how you want the piece to look, and I will make it for you and only you. Each artwork is completely unique. I can’t wait to see all of the different ways you think of!"

Nic's Spring 2022 collection explores the different paths that love can take; be it friendship, family or romance. Showing that love comes in all shapes and forms, the two works take inspiration from the duality of the Ace of Spades card, and the Shakespearean tragedy Romeo and Juliet. Unique details include a sustainably sourced freshwater pearl and earth from the streets of Rome.

Nic's latest collection, Hands On, is deeply a personal one, and one that takes his art in a new direction. Though Nic’s heart is still with those ‘little people’, he has been secretly working on a private passion project since 1997, and he’s now ready to reveal it to the world. The Hands On collection has been named in honour of his roots from his former life as a carpenter and In many ways, this work is Nic revisiting and reflecting on his former self and bringing the experience and skills of those early years into the present. Showcasing both original wall-hanging and freestanding sculptures, Nic has used an ink stamp of his own hand throughout the series alongside a striking colour palette, polished bronze sculptures and carved 17th century wood. 

Shop Nic's latest original and limited edition artworks here, or contact us for access to the full collection.