In the frame for unique wildlife art

Monday 14th October 2013

Resting hare by Harriet MeadResting hare by Harriet Mead

Art lovers and members of The Wildlife Trusts who buy a stunning new book inspired by nature will be entered into a draw to win unique artwork by sculptor Harriet Mead, as part of the Society of Wildlife Artists’ 50th anniversary celebrations.

For the first time in its 50-year history the Society of Wildlife Artists (SWLA) is publishing a limited edition hardback book which showcases almost 60 artists’ work. 

Anyone who has ever been inspired by nature and wildlife will love this beautiful book

One lucky buyer of The Natural Eye, Art Book One, will also become the proud owner of an original A5 pen and ink sketch of a brown hare by Harriet Mead. 

Harriet, President of the SWLA, is widely acclaimed for her beautiful creations made from scrap metal, using the natural world as inspiration for her sculptures.  She said: 

“I live in rural Norfolk and am fortunate that hares thrive in the Brecks.  When I’m out on my horse I take a great delight in watching them as I ride across the fields.”  See examples of Harriet’s work on her website: www.harrietmead.co.uk

Each of the book’s 120 pages is illustrated, with commentary on how and why each artist made their art, giving a vivid insight into the many artistic journeys and styles, including sculpture, hand-made prints and paintings in a variety of mediums.

Work by artists featured in the book – which is BBC Wildlife Magazine’s ‘Book of the Month’ - will be showcased in an exhibition, considered to be the foremost event in the British wildlife art calendar, at the prestigious Mall Galleries in London.  The Natural Eye Exhibition is open from 10am-5pm, including weekends, from Thursday 31 October until Sunday 10 November (closing at 1pm on Sun 10 Nov).  For more information, visit www.mallgalleries.org.uk. 

Inspired by UK wildlife Harriet Mead’s sculptures on show include a brown hare, perch and heron.  Also included with the work of other members from the UK, mainland Europe, North America and Russia is that of successful Bursary applicants, as well as a large selection of work from non-members.

“Anyone who has ever been inspired by nature and wildlife will love this beautiful book.  The opportunity to own a unique piece of Harriet Mead’s art is a one-off so we’re encouraging everyone to buy the book online.  We hope many people will also choose to visit the exhibition to witness in person these stunning art works by very different artists.  The Natural Eye exhibition showcases the breadth of talent, creativity and very high standard of contemporary artists inspired by nature.  It’s a must see.”

To order a copy of The Natural Eye, Art Book One please click here.  

For the chance to win the Harriet Mead brown hare sketch, enter the code ‘TWT’ at the end of the surname field.  The draw will close on Saturday 30 November 2013 and the winner will be picked at random.

The Natural Eye (£20)
Size: 240X220mm 
ISBN: 978-0-9569976-7-8)

With an introduction by naturalist and broadcaster Chris Packham, a short history of the Society by past President and founder Robert Gillmor, plus text by current President Harriet Mead about the Society in its 50th year and Bruce Pearson looking to the future, this is both a beautiful and informative book.

With field sketches, drawings, original prints, oils, acrylics, mixed media, bronzes, ceramics and found object sculpture there are gems on every page.  Each of the contributing artists have written short anecdotes about the work that they have donated. 

Red Hare Publishing and Harriet Mead created this book using original artwork donated by member artists for the Society’s annual ‘Original Art Draw’ of large postcard-sized work, held at Birdfair, run by Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust in partnership with the RSPB, in August. Proceeds from the book and the annual ‘Original Art Draw’ will raise funds for the charity’s projects, such as the Bursary Scheme.  The Scheme helps to nurture new talent and develops skills for artists by supporting individual projects or by helping with education, travel or creative development. For more information, please contact Sarah Whittley on 01263 740947 or Harriet Mead on 07979 647839

The Society of Wildlife Artists (SWLA)
SWLA is a registered charity which seeks to generate an appreciation of and delight in the natural world through all forms of fine art based on or representing the world’s wildlife.  The Society also supports and promotes arts-based objectives of other conservation and wildlife charities.  Through exhibitions and publications of fine art the SWLA aims to further an awareness of the importance of conservation in order to maintain the variety of the world’s ecosystems and its wildlife.  Through bursary schemes it has been able to help young artists keen to develop their knowledge and skills in wildlife art with awards of up to £750 towards travel, education or the cost of materials.

Tagged with: Photography & The Arts, Swla