Hi, I’m Neil Eckersley artist, Olympian, and co-author of three poetry books. After years in elite sport, I now pour my energy into creating artwork inspired by cities, people, and the world around us. I’m always exploring new ways to share my creativity and connect through art.

Www.olyart.co.uk

What do artists do all day?
Just put the finishing touches to my latest piece. Still haven’t found a name for it yet but it’s nearly there.

www.olyart.co.uk

#WhatDoArtistsDoAllDay #ArtistLife #InTheStudio #WorkInProgress #ArtJourney

A few people were worried when I stepped back from elite judo coaching to focus on my art.

But it was an easy decision creativity has always been part of me.

And to be clear: I haven’t left judo.
I’m still promoting the sport, just in a different, more creative way.

#AthleteToArtist #JudoFamily

In the studio working on a new piece inspired by NYC. I’ve always been obsessed with the city — even as a kid, sketching skylines in class. For me, New York isn’t just a place, it’s an idea: dare mighty things and push beyond your limits.

#NYC #ArtInspired #DreamBig

HIVE
I’m literally in the studio right now putting the finishing touches on this piece and yes, watching the paint dry.
This work celebrates the incredible city of Manchester, where I grew up a place buzzing with innovation, resilience, and creativity.

Www.olyart.co.uk

Huge thanks to the amazing artists behind “I Don’t Love You Any More” for saving & giving us our lightbulbs & plaques we picked them up today and they truly made our day.

Part of By the Light of Our Losses light up Lancaster

#ByTheLightOfOurLosses #ArtOfLoss #Lancaster

"What do artists do all day"

Putting the final touches to “Hive” in the studio inspired by the heartbeat of my childhood city, Manchester. A piece that celebrates harmony in the midst of chaos.

#ArtistAtWork #Studio #ContemporaryArt #Hive #ManchesterArt

Www.olyart.co.uk

Standing beside this image of Keith Haring painting the Berlin Wall feels surreal.

Back then, before the wall came down, I was in Potsdam, competing in the East German Open — I lost in the final that day.

Www.olyart.co.uk

Hope

A whisper rises through the night,
A spark that outshines fear’s cold bite
When shadows fall and hearts grow sore,
Hope softly knocks upon the door.

It hums of dawn beyond the pain,
Of seeds that bloom after the rain.
A fragile thread, yet strong and true.
Hope lives in me, and lives in you.

I think I’ve found the perfect backdrop for my sculpture of Los Angeles featuring the historic Coliseum, soon to host the Opening Ceremony of the LA2028 Olympic Games.

Www.olyart.co.uk

©️Neil Eckersley OLY

Land of the Midnight Sun

Norway where the light never fades and the sky feels alive with possibility.
Four years ago, we left that beauty behind to care for my father as dementia took hold.

We miss you, Norway. Always.

What do artists do all day. “Sometimes life becomes too serious we forget that joy doesn’t need a reason, and laughter doesn’t need permission.”

Www.olyart.co.uk

©️Neil Eckersley OLY

Kanpai Tokyo Heights
Inspired by Tokyo’s rhythm, colour, and energy a city that never stands still. This piece celebrates the balance between tradition and modern life and that feeling of always looking up.

#KanpaiTokyoHeights #TokyoArt #NeilEckersleyArt

Www.olyart.co.uk

©️Neil Eckersley OLY

“The magical hare — here today, gone tomorrow — a reminder to protect what’s precious before it disappears. #MagicalHare #ProtectNature #Conservation #Environment #Wildlife #NatureLovers #Sustainability”

Www.olyart.co.uk

©️Neil Eckersley OLY

Bedrock inspired by the city that never sleeps. Built on grit, driven by energy, and forever reaching higher.

#Bedrock #NYCArt #OlympicArtist #UrbanEnergy #ContemporaryArt #CityOfDreams #MixedMediaArt #ModernArt #CreativeJourney

Www.olyart.co.uk

As part of “What Do Artists Do All Day?”, I’m spending the day in the studio photographing a new piece. Exploring light, form, and reflection sometimes being an artist is all about smoke and mirrors.

#ArtStudio #ArtistLife #ContemporaryArt

New York has a rhythm that never stops — a city built on grit, determination, and the courage to rise again and again. This piece is my reflection on that spirit: grounded in concrete, fuelled by energy, and forever reaching for the sky.

#Bedrock #NYCArt #OlympicArtist #UrbanEnergy #CityOfDreams

New York New York
Grit, noise, neon, hustle — the city screams its name over and over.
Each layer built, torn, rebuilt again.
A love letter written in chaos and concrete.
#NewYork #UrbanArt #StreetArt #ContemporaryArt #CityVibes

The Magical Hare
Born of motion and mystery,
it leaps between realms of light and shadow.
A symbol of instinct, spirit, and untamed freedom
forever chasing the dawn of possibility.

#TheMagicalHare #NeilEckersleyArt #OlympicArtist #SculpturalEnergy

Www.olyart.co.uk

©️Neil Eckersley OLY