THE STORY
This artwork was very much inspired by both my love of Autumn and also my desire to portray the interconnectedness of nature. In the UK our Tawny owls are most commonly recognised by their distinctive hooting, they are often particularly vocal in late summer and throughout the Autumn months. They are much harder to spot and probably not as easily recognised by sight as they are by sound, as many people wouldn’t actually have been fortunate enough to have seen them in the wild. Like all owls they are near silent in flight and have an incredible ability to blend in. But as with all of nature they are a vital part of the balance and cycles that exist and though we might not always be aware of their presence it doesn’t make them any less important to the ecosystem in which they form an intrinsic part.
My inspiration is very much from the forest, or rather should I say the woodlands in which Tawny owls will often be found. During the autumn months these magical spaces transform into places of wonder and inspiration for any artist or nature lover. As the trees prepare to drop their leaves they put on the most dazzling display of colour. As I began to layer in images of tree bark and fallen leaves I saw how clearly the colouring of the owl began to melt into these natural tones of nature and its woodland home. The shades echoing through its own feathers. So I began to experiment more with it melting into these layers, and it became the hidden treasure I think of it as in life. Present but rarely seen, always watching but rarely watched, completely immersed in and part of the place it calls home. Distinct and at first glance separate but on deeper reflection connected and inseparable to its world.
HOW PURCHASING THIS PRINT WILL SUPPORT CONSERVATION:
Whilst most of my artworks and photography prints focus on African wildlife, I am also aware that the challenges facing wildlife and nature aren’t limited too far-off lands and exotic creatures. In fact the natural world outside my own front door here in the UK is also struggling. With this in mind I have tried to find a charity that focusing on a broad arching eco-system level conservation project within the UK to support through the sales of my prints that feature UK wildlife and landscapes, surprisingly I have found this more of a challenge then in selecting my African charities.
For now I have chosen a charity I came across several years ago and have followed ever since, they have an ethos that I think matches my own and who also seems to be acting now and delivering results rather than just promising them.
Trees for Life focuses on the Scottish highlands and have several interesting programmes in their attempts to protect nature and “rewild” the areas where they operate. Started in 1993 by Alan Watson Featherstone, he was determined to protect the precious ancient Highland Caledonian forests before they were lost for good. The charity is now recognised as one of the leading experts in wild forest restoration in Scotland and its Dundreggan tree nursery continues to strive to ensure enough rare and hard to grow trees are available to be planted in the Highlands.
One of the reasons I am drawn to this charity, is it’s understanding that a forest is not merely trees, but an interconnected intricate web of life. Whilst their roots are in trees and growing and planting, they have also managed successful re-introductions of red-squirrel and are active in the pursuit of restoring a full ecological balance to these forests, through supporting wildlife conservation. This alongside their latest ambitious project that aims to bring together a coalition of landowners and communities across a large area of the central highlands under the banner “East West Wild”. Based on the principles of similar successful large scale projects in Europe, they hope to unite nature, people and business through the understanding that we are interwoven strands of the same tapestry and that success and wellbeing for the individual parts depends on the health and wellbeing of the whole, to truly thrive we must work with nature and re-find our connection to the land.
If you would like to support them directly or learn more about their work you can visit their website: https://treesforlife.org.uk/
EXTRA INFORMATION:
Instead of offering bulk mass-produced prints, I want you to know that you are buying something special and unique. I feel that people should purchase fine art photography prints because the artwork speaks to them and they feel an emotional connection to the print and the photographer. All my prints are strictly available as low number limited edition runs. As a limited edition print sells its price will appreciate accordingly in the online store, as fewer remain available to purchase.
This picture is printed on archival grade fine art Hahnemühle Photorag paper. If you have not seen this before it a softly textured paper that gives a wonderful quality to an image, really empathising the idea of the texture you would imagine if the bird was actually standing in front of you. It is a brilliant paper for bringing out the subtle tones and textures.
I recommend that when you receive your print that you have it properly mounted and framed by an experienced professional frame shop to ensure the maximum care and longevity of your artwork.
Should you wish to purchase a limited edition print in a different size to that listed, please contact me and I will be happy to discuss your requirements and provide a quote for the cost to produce the print in your desired size. I am also happy to provide quotes for framing or printing onto Chromaluxe if you would like to have your print sent to you ready for you to hang on your wall.
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