Nicola Axe first discovered her passion for stone carving during a sculpture course in 2009 and hasn’t looked back since. For Nicola, carving is challenging but deeply fulfilling. Working with this tactile medium is rhythmic, meditative, and full of life lessons.

Her work is inspired by the elegant forms of Modigliani, Rodin, and Brancusi, blending classical shapes with modern abstract simplicity, alongside the peaceful and contemplative qualities found in Asian Buddhist art.

Carving primarily in Portland stone, Nicola creates a range of expressive forms—abstract landscapes, elongated god heads and yoga mudras. Her fascination with the natural world also finds voice in organic, shell-like shapes and vibrant representations of sea life, from turtles and octopuses to manta and sting rays, brought to life in translucent alabaster and serpentine stones.

Nicola works from her studio at Cockington Court, a beautiful country park estate in Torquay, Devon. She exhibits her work across the UK and is an active member of the Southwest Sculptors Group.