Els van der Glas

A Life in Sculpture

From a young age, I was fascinated by bronze sculptures. At Artis Zoo, my attention was drawn not only to the animals, but also to the artworks displayed throughout the park. Later visits to Sonsbeek, Middelheim, and the Kröller-Müller Museum deepened this fascination and inspired me to start sculpting myself. My first creations—reclining Watusi bulls and mares with foals—were shaped from deep red, self-hardening clay.

A life devoted to sculpture followed. Under the guidance of Eric Boot, I developed a strong theoretical and artistic foundation.

My love for animals—especially horses—remains my greatest source of inspiration. Their beauty, strength, and vulnerability continue to move me and offer endless motivation for new work.

With every sculpture, no matter how small, I search for the essence of my own artistic voice. I navigate the fine line between finished and unfinished, always seeking the expression that truly does justice to the subject. Although my style is realistic, my touch is often intuitive, giving my work a lively and expressive quality.