David Shepherd Wildlife Fund’s Artists of the Year Announced

Published on: 16 Sep, 2023
Updated on: 15 Sep, 2023

The Shalford-based David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation has announced the winners of its Wildlife Artist of the Year awards.

Ugandan-born conservation artist Karen Laurence Rowe was is the overall winner with her piece titled The Journey.

Karen Laurence Rowe’s The Journey.

Collectively, the judges said of her entry: “The painting which not only conveys a vital conservation message about drought and the changing environment but also a dynamic portrayal of a new and exciting abstract style. The more you get lost in this stunning landscape, the more you can find.”

In total, 1,419 entries were received for this year’s competition, with 157 finalists being selected.

Camila Echavarria’s Amazonic Barcode Jungle.

Overall runner up went to Camila Echavarria, a Columbian artist and former engineer, for her work Amazonic Barcode Jungle.

A new category, Abstract World, invited artists who choose to express themselves non-figuratively to use their creative process to capture the beauty and fragility of global biodiversity. It was won by Nathalie Daigle and her piece Openness.

One of the most popular categories for both the public and artists alike, is Animal Behaviour. This year, the top prize went to The Prowl, by Gale More O’Ferrall.

The winner of the category Earth’s Wild Beauty, was Nickolaas Willems and his piece, Tree No.1.

Another new category was Environmental Artivism, recognising the growing movement among artists who wish to use their platform to share important issues facing wildlife and the environment, and to empower others to do so.

Ophelia Redpath’s Not in a Million Years.

A £500 prize went to Ophelia Redpath for her piece Not in a Million Years.

The Facing Extinction category was won by Leize Meyer with her piece The Squabble.

The Into the Blue category, dedicated to the world of water, was won by Tamara Pokorny’s Shadow of a Ghost.

The Wings category was won by Sarah Lake and her piece, Abou.

All entry income directly supports the work of David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation – and this year, £32,000 had been raised before the exhibition’s doors had opened.

Throughout the exhibition, 50% of all sales will also be dedicated to the vital on-the-ground projects and programmes supported and funded by foundation.