Monday, November 26, 2012

Artists For Conservation




I am very happy to post that I was recently invited to become a signature member of the prestigious Canadian wildlife art society, Artists For Conservation.

"The Artists for Conservation Foundation (AFC) is a non-profit, international organization dedicated to the celebration and preservation of the natural world. Based in Vancouver, Canada, the Foundation represents the world's leading collective of artists focused on nature and wildlife, with a membership spanning five continents and twenty-seven countries. The organization's mission is to support wildlife and habitat conservation, biodiversity, sustainability and environmental education through art that celebrates our natural heritage."

This society is limited to 500 artists of high quality work and standing, and as the membership stood at just over 490, I wondered how many others were being considered and what my chances were.

To join this society I sent examples of my work and my CV showing past and current support for wildlife conservation, I also had two artists who are already members support my submission with their own recommendation. Of course by applying I was hoping I would be accepted but there is always that nagging doubt that maybe you aren't good enough yet, or as the membership is limited that they haven't a place to offer yet. But the encouragement and support of the two wonderful artists who offered their recommendations spurred me on, it was time to broaden my horizons and begin to aim higher. This society was the one I wanted to aim for because the ethics of conservation is integral in the operation of their work. They support and encourage activity with artists in wildlife conservation and this aspect was important to me.

To have been accepted and invited is a great honour that I am truly overwhelmed by. I have yet to work on and 'go live' with my webpage on their site, as I am in the thick of working on George the gorilla. But once that is done I hope to get a visual presence on their webpage soon.

I hope you will visit their website through the link above. I will shortly put a proper link under my LINKS tab on the right of this page.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Little gorilla commission

I have just been commissioned to paint a small gorilla sculpture. I cannot say who or what it is for at this stage,what it will look like or any progress reports with photos. I will at some point in the future, when he is finished, post some photos and a piece about him.

But for the moment... here is George.....


Thanks go to Sarah, in the offices at the zoo for parting with him, he has sat in her window ledge for a long time and I believe she got very attached to him.