Insect Sculpture by Alan Williams

Insects and other arthropods are subjects that lend themselves to Alan’s intricate style of work. Mantises, grasshoppers, beetles, bees and scorpions offer striking contrasts between delicate wings, armoured bodies and powerful limbs.

Alan captures the features and postures that distinguish each creature, from the folded forelegs of a praying mantis to the raised tail of a scorpion. Changes in scale allow a focus on intricate anatomical details not visible in real life.

Explore the collection below to discover the sculptures and the stories behind them.

Praying Mantis reclaimed metal insect sculpture by Alan Williams

Explore the Insect Sculpture Collection

The collection ranges from wall-hanging and freestanding work to more compact studies of insect form. Each piece develops around the distinctive anatomy of its subject rather than following one repeated construction method.

How Alan Approaches Insect Sculpture

Mechanics of Nature

Insects can look almost mechanical before any metal is involved. Their jointed legs, segmented bodies and exaggerated proportions make the underlying structure unusually visible.

For the Praying Mantis, Alan worked around the swivelling head and powerful clasping forelegs that give the insect its distinctive character. The head and mandibles were developed from a large pair of bolt cutters, cut apart and rebuilt into the finished form.

How to Commission Alan
Honey Trap reclaimed metal bee sculpture by Alan Williams

Grasshopper reclaimed metal insect sculpture by Alan Williams
Scarabaeus reclaimed metal stag beetle sculpture by Alan Williams
Honey Trap reclaimed metal bee sculpture by Alan Williams

Explore More Sculptures

The individual project pages hold the fuller story behind each work, including materials, dimensions, commissions and installation details where known.

Explore All Sculpture Projects

Start a Conversation About a Commission

I’m always happy to discuss a possible commission, large or small. Get in touch and tell me what you have in mind.

Contact Alan