I recently received the amazing news that my art work of 'John Coe' has been shortlisted in the internationally renowned art competition Sketch For Survival by Explorers Against Extinction.
With over 3000 entries from across the world, I am so proud to have made it to the shortlist of the final 15 artists. I'm so happy to get the opportunity to tell the story of John Coe and celebrate the beauty of the Hebrides with people around the world.
Needless to say I am absolutely delighted! My original ink drawing of John Coe has been exhibited at the Crypt Gallery in Norwich over the last week where the shortlist was announced, and will appear at three more exhibitions with Explorers over the coming months!
"Sketch for Survival helps to raise vital awareness about species extinction and biodiversity loss while also raising funds for projects around the world."
If you would like to see my original art work it will be displayed at The Dundas Street gallery in Edinburgh from the 20th - 23rd October, and the prestigious gallery@oxo in Londons South Bank from 16th - 20th November.
I would love to see you at the exhibition, if you are unable to make it you can still support my work. Making the finals of the competition I am also eligible for the Peoples Choice Award, you can vote for my piece here.
My favourite thing about this piece is the hidden world within it. "John Coe - The Lost Orca of the Hebrides" shows the iconic orca 'John Coe'. He and a younger bull 'Aquarius' are the last two of the functionally extinct ecotype of orca known as the west coast community in Scotland. With just two males remaining there is no hope for this unique pod which roam the Western Isles. Hidden within the body is a map of the Hebrides alongside other iconic species found in the diverse and special environment of the Sea of the Hebrides. I wanted to reflect not only the ecological significance but also the emotional connection between these animals and the local islands and to share their heart-breaking story.
If you would like to own a unique piece of this story, limited edition prints of John Coe are available with only 50 being made in each size. They are professionally printed Giclée print on Hahnemühle German etching fine art paper. This has been my most successful print release to date, with some sizes already being half sold out. You can find prints here, the original piece will be auctioned to raise funds for Explorers Against Extinction and their frontline conservation projects.
