Arctic Tern - 2014
Like all his sculptures, Hamish’s Arctic Tern is informed by his studies of the bird in its native environment. In 2014, Hamish was invited on a fishing trip to the Varzuga River organised by Roxtons Field Sports. Mackie was presented with the perfect opportunity to document and observe Arctic Tern in their natural habitat.
It is easy to see why this graceful bird is known as the ‘Sea Swallow’, with its long tail streamers and subtly arced wing span. This sculpture catches the coastal bird in flight, perhaps on its long migration to winter in the icy Arctic.
Hamish Mackie’s bronze Arctic Tern sculpture is available in a limited edition of 12.
VIDEO
THIS SCULPTURE IN THE MAKING
Arctic Terns migrate from the extreme north to the extreme south, the longest migration known in the animal kingdom. It was a real privilege to be able to watch and photograph them on the Varzuga River. The frozen bird our guide Sergei found was hugely important, as I was able to study it at close quarters and take measurements. The sculpture was then sculpted from my studio at home using all the data I had collected.

