YOURLIFE: SCULPTOR VICTORIA NEWTON-KING

To me, luxury is having incredible family and friends who love and support me – and a really good pillow!

I mostly wear my pangolin pendant necklace, which I made using a 3D print of one of my original sculptures. Every sale gives a percentage to The Boucher Legacy, which protects endangered pangolins, rhinos and wild dogs across Africa.

I am at my most creative when I’m in my sunny studio listening to a podcast or watching Netflix whilst I sculpt.

The last song I downloaded was Matthew Mole’s I’m With You. It reminds me of my late Mum.

I am reading Mademoiselle Chanel by C.W. Gortner, which is unputdownable. She succeeded despite all her trials and tribulations.

My home is a kaleidoscope of homely family hand-me-downs and memories.

My favourite tipple is a Skinny Bitch – vodka, lime and soda.

I start my day with a cup of coffee before everyone wakes up, surrounded by my two rescue dogs, Hercules and Twiggy and my cheeky Jack Russell who’s (don’t tell him) actually the boss of the house.

I spend weekends chasing the waves with my youngest teenager and trying to coax my daughter to come and visit us from university.

My foolproof dinner party dish is a sirloin on the braai with delicious side dishes.

I am inspired by contemporary South African artists such as Donald Greig, Lionel Smit, Robbie Leggat, Chris Rohm, Anton Smit and Johan Stein amongst others.

A piece of art I would love to have in my home is an old classic such as a Giacometti. I would also love to own a piece of James Cook’s art.

I keep fit by swimming, boogie boarding, walking and hiking with friends or my four-legged crew.

The last holiday I went on was to Franschhoek. The town is so full of beautiful art and galleries.

The best advice I’ve been given is when life throws you lemons, make lemonade

My proudest sculpture moments are being invited to do an Saffca.eu artist residency in 2022 at Lion Sands game Reserve in the Sabi Sands. I’m so excited to be going again this year. Installing my Grey Heron, Harold, into his beautiful new home at Vergelegen Wine Estate, in the water feature just outside the wine tasting centre, was also an incredible moment.

I have a collection of incredible friends scattered all over the world, and I love vintage handbags.

The beauty product I can’t live without is the Nu Skin Range.

My signature scent is Gucci Bloom.

My most treasured possession is a ring made from the lead of a wine bottle neck. My husband made it for me when he asked me to marry him. I have it framed in our bedroom.

Amazing art galleries I’ve visited are right on my doorstep: The Rupert Museum, Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden, Stephen Rautenbach Gallery and Everard Read to name a few, but there are so many more.