Exhibition preview: Terence Coventry – Three Decades of Sculpture and Works on Paper, Pangolin, London, until February 23 2013

Despite training at Stourbridge Schoool of Art and the Royal College of Art during the 1950s, Terence Coventry ultimately spent 25 years as a pig farmer in Cornwall, enjoying his first solo show in London at the age of 71.

Given his pastoral expertise, it’s been little surprise to see the natural world influence his work since he returned to sculpture in his 50s. Originally tutored by future Barbara Hepworth assistant Keith Leonard, Coventry was sent to north Devon for national service, his natural talent laying dormant until he found inspiration in the beauty of his surroundings.

Torso is a simple piece, made from a fallen elm tree found on his farm. Birds, bulls, hounds and boars also feature in his elegant figurative menagerie, while a steel sculpture, Corten Owl, pares down the angular lines of the material.

His bronzes – made in plaster before casting – relay the ruggedness of the Cornish countryside where he continues his resurrected craft.

• Pangolin London, York Way, London. Open 10am-6pm (closed Sunday). Admission free. Follow the gallery on Twitter @PangolinLondon.