Wells grew up in the South Island of New Zealand, a region known for its rugged beauty and wide open spaces, which subtly influenced his sensitivity to form and structure. His early experiences with the landscape cultivated an innate understanding of the natural world and the forms that populate it; his artistic journey began at a young age, carving his first figure in wax at just eight years old. This early interest in sculpture led to more formal training in oil painting, life drawing, and sculpture under prominent New Zealand artists such as Anton Chapman and Michael Easton, with significant tutorage with Roderick Burgess in Auckland through the early 2000’s. Wells has since refined his skill in capturing the nuanced gestures of the human body and the expressive qualities of animals, speaking to his deep connection with the subjects he portrays.
Wells is the current owner of Artworks, New Zealand’s oldest bronze casting foundry, established in the old railway sheds in Parnell during the early 1970’s. The foundry offers Wells the unique position of being a practising artist deeply involved in the technical process of creating bronze works. His sculptures can be found in collections across New Zealand and internationally, including a sculpture held in the permanent collection at the Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa. Public sculptures include Kuri, a 3.6 metre dog leaping into the pond at Queenstown Gardens and a 2025 work for Invercargill, A Ball Boy and Lead Girl. Wells has exhibited throughout New Zealand, regularly contributing works to The New Zealand Art Show and art fairs across the country.
Parnell Gallery has represented Richard Wells since 2004.