Nicola Godden had a dream to create something truly monumental. That dream became a reality with Icarus Rising, her largest and most ambitious bronze sculpture to date. Standing over five metres tall and four metres wide, weighing more than three tonnes, this colossal work of art now resides at Sculpture by the Lakes in Dorset. Icarus Rising is not just an impressive sculpture; it’s a story of creativity, persistence, and the timeless myth of Icarus brought to life.

Here’s a closer look at the fascinating journey behind this artwork and why it’s captivating visitors.

The Dream Takes Flight: How Icarus Inspired a Monumental Vision

Nicola found inspiration in the myth of Icarus—a story about ambition, risk, and the consequences of reaching for the impossible. In Greek mythology, Icarus flies too close to the sun with wings made of feathers and wax, and while his ambition is admirable, it ultimately leads to his downfall. But Nicola didn’t want to focus on the failure. Instead, she was drawn to the daring, the moment of reaching for greatness.

That sense of boldness was exactly what she wanted to capture in her sculpture. The only question was: How big should it be? Nicola knew she was about to embark on something monumental, but the full scale of Icarus Rising would soon surprise even her.

A Vision in Motion: Bringing Icarus Rising to Life

To create something so large, Nicola needed a bigger workspace than her home studio. Fortunately, Sculpture Castings in Basingstoke offered her the space she needed. This was where Icarus Rising began to take shape. Once Nicola started, it quickly became clear that this wasn’t just another project—it was turning into a full-time passion.

As Icarus grew in size, the challenges multiplied. Nicola needed scaffolding to work on the upper sections of the sculpture, and she enlisted the help of structural engineers to ensure the piece would be strong and stable. The project became a huge collaboration, but Nicola never lost sight of her vision.

Breaking It Down: The Challenge of Casting Icarus Rising

With Icarus Rising growing to an impressive five metres tall, the sculpture couldn’t be cast as one whole piece. Instead, the foundry had to break it down into 100 separate parts. Each part was individually cast in bronze and then carefully reassembled like a giant jigsaw puzzle.

The complexity of this process was incredible. Every piece had to fit perfectly, and each section needed to line up precisely when reassembled. It took skill, patience, and precision to make sure the finished sculpture looked exactly as Nicola envisioned.

Finally, after months of hard work, Icarus Rising was complete—a towering, awe-inspiring figure of bronze.

Standing Tall: Experiencing Icarus Rising in Person

One of the most exciting aspects of Icarus Rising is its sheer size. Visitors to Sculpture by the Lakes can walk beneath the sculpture, looking up at Icarus’ wings as if they’re about to take flight. Standing beneath it, you feel a powerful sense of ambition and daring.

Nicola’s decision to capture Icarus in mid-flight, just before his fall, is intentional. She wanted to celebrate the boldness and bravery of ambition rather than focusing on failure. This depiction of Icarus reminds us all of the beauty in dreaming big—even when risks are involved.

The Deeper Meaning: More Than Just Metal

Icarus Rising is much more than a stunning sculpture. It’s a symbol of human ambition, of pushing boundaries and daring to reach for something greater. For Nicola, creating this piece was a personal journey that mirrored the myth itself. It was about perseverance in the face of challenges, overcoming obstacles, and staying focused on the end goal.

When you stand before Icarus Rising, you’re reminded of your own ambitions. The sculpture invites you to reflect on the risks you’ve taken, the heights you’ve aimed for, and the dreams you still want to chase. It’s a piece that resonates with anyone who’s ever dared to go beyond the ordinary.

Art in Nature: The Perfect Setting

The peaceful setting of Sculpture by the Lakes in Dorset is the perfect home for Icarus Rising. Surrounded by nature, the sculpture feels like it’s part of the landscape—almost as though Icarus could take flight at any moment. The tranquil atmosphere allows visitors to fully appreciate the details of Nicola’s work and the story it tells.

Whether you’re an art lover or simply someone who enjoys exploring nature, Sculpture by the Lakes provides the ideal backdrop to experience this monumental creation up close.

What’s Next for Nicola Godden?

With the success of Icarus Rising, Nicola has shown she’s capable of taking on huge artistic challenges and coming out victorious. This monumental project is the fulfilment of a long-held dream, but it’s clear that Nicola is already thinking about what’s next.

What will her next creation be? While we can’t predict the future, we know one thing for certain—Nicola’s artistic journey is far from over, and her next project will likely be just as bold and exciting.

Soaring Beyond Limits: The Legacy of Icarus Rising

Icarus Rising isn’t just a sculpture; it’s a lasting symbol of ambition, creativity, and the courage to dream big. Nicola Godden’s masterpiece is a reminder that great things come from taking risks and pushing beyond what seems possible.

If you have the chance to see Icarus Rising in person, you’ll be struck not only by its size but by the powerful emotions it stirs. It’s more than a work of art—it’s a statement about the human spirit, the drive to achieve, and the beauty of reaching for the sky.

Ready to experience Icarus Rising for yourself? Visit Sculpture by the Lakes to explore this incredible piece in person. To discover more of Nicola Godden’s sculptures, check out her portfolio here.