Just last September, Keziah became a full-time sculptor following a career as a secondary school art teacher. Embarking on her new full-time role, she began a sculpture of the then Prince Charles as a demonstration piece at an exhibition. The day she began was the day that Queen Elizabeth II passed away, and her finished sculpture became one of the King. Keziah said:
“It was such a shock to have started the day sculpting Prince Charles to be ending it sculpting the King. I immediately sent a letter to the Palace to get permission to finish it and they wrote back with approval of a limited edition of the piece in bronze. I was delighted.”
Keziah works in clay and bronze, creating figurative sculptures. She creates both public and private commissions alongside her own sculptural practice in her home studio in Bristol. A first-class º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Sculpture (2004) and an MA in Art and Design (2005), Keziah has continued her creative journey since her time as a student.
For her, portraiture is about storytelling. The opportunity to sculpt from life fills her with joy and is a collaboration between artist and sitter. Speaking about her work, she said:
“I observe my sitters, not as an austere critic but as a child with a hundred enthusiastic questions.
“I feel very honoured to become the part of a family’s story. A sculpture sitting is such a once in a lifetime experience. I record just a moment in a person’s lifetime and keep them safe in clay or bronze for generations to come.”
To have the opportunity to display her sculpture of the King – who will be crowned on 6 May 2023 just some short weeks before the Chelsea Flower Show opens its doors for this year – is an honour for Keziah. She added:
“As a military wife and mummy I am overwhelmed to have my work recognised and to be part of honouring His Majesty in the year of his Coronation.
“Even more so to have it selected to feature in the beautiful Royal Tribute Garden created by gold medal winning designer Dave Green at the Chelsea Flower Show this year.”
Over the last few years, she has been recognised with a number of awards and residencies – including becoming the Jubilee Artist in Residence at the National Army Museum in 2022 in celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. She created a bronze bust of a young Queen for the Museum. She has also featured on the television show Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh, where she live sculpted the broadcaster’s portrait. He later commissioned the piece in bronze.
The bust of King Charles III will be unveiled at the Chelsea Flower Show – which runs from 23-27 May 2023 – and people will have the opportunity to purchase the edition. There will only be eight pieces available and a portion of the sale of each of the busts will be donated to support the King’s charities.
Keziah is available for commisions. Find out more about her work on her website, Facebook, and Instagram.