Irina Hughes
Wildlife Sculpted
in Fiber
Collectible needle-felted wildlife art and commissioned animal sculpture, shaped by hand through close observation of anatomy, texture, expression, and character.
Holiday 2026 commissions are nearly full. Three Holiday 2026 commission openings currently remain. Holiday delivery is subject to project complexity and remaining studio capacity.
Request a Holiday CommissionSelected Work
Individually sculpted, closely observed, made to last.
Practice
Wildlife, birds, horses, and companion animals.
Irina Hughes is a fiber artist specializing in lifelike animal and wildlife sculpture. Her work uses needle felting to build one-of-a-kind form, coat texture, posture, and expression in wool. Some major works require more than 100 hours of handwork.
Ways Into The Work
The collection moves from wildlife scale to intimate likeness.
Wildlife
Elephants, tortoise, hippopotamus, and other animal forms built as collectible sculptural studies.
Equine Work
Motion, balance, musculature, and animal presence carried through fiber.
Companion Portraits
Commission-relevant sculpture focused on likeness, coat, expression, and individual character.
Pet Commissions
Custom dog, cat, and companion-animal portraits made from reference photographs.
Commissions
Proof before inquiry.
Inquiries are welcome for animal and wildlife sculpture projects. The process begins with the subject, reference material, desired scale, timing, and the level of detail needed for a one-of-a-kind piece.
Teaching
Technique visible in the finished sculpture.
Irina's sculptural work supports a teaching presence around realistic needle-felted animals. Verified course, workshop, and instructional links can be added as soon as Irina confirms them.
Teaching InquiriesContact
Start a conversation.
For artwork, commissions, teaching, exhibitions, or other inquiries, send Irina a note below.