"From a Burnt Crib, a Baby is Born': Mixed media with gold ink. Rejected from a major wildlife art competition
The art world — particularly the world of competitions — is a far cry from the kind of competition I’m used to. In rowing, the rules are clear. First past the post wins. There’s no ambiguity, no interpretation. I have the medals to prove it.
But art is different. Art carries a message. It’s not about crossing the line first — it’s about making people stop, feel, and think. And sometimes, that makes it harder to be seen.
Being My Authentic Self
Being an artist, for me, is not just about painting what looks nice. Sure, I do this quite a lot too. However for some of my wildlife art, it’s about truth. It’s about voice. Especially for those who can’t speak up for themselves.
Animals can’t lobby. They don’t enter competitions. They don’t curate their image. And yet, their lives are affected daily by the choices we make. That’s why I create — not just to portray, but to advocate.
Speaking Up for the Silent
My work isn’t just about capturing beauty — though there’s plenty of that in the natural world which I love to capture. It’s about revealing something deeper. A story. A presence. A soul.
Whether it’s a lion under threat, an orangutan staring into the loss of habitat, or an African wild dog caught in a snare — these aren’t just animals. They’re individuals. And they deserve a voice.
'Staring Extinction in the Face' - a close-up of the eyes from the main picture; another one rejected from the same competition.
When Competitions Don’t Want the Conversation
Recently, three of my pieces — artworks I poured heart, time and conviction into — were rejected from wildlife art competitions. I had a sense they might be. Not because they weren’t well-executed, but because they pose difficult questions.
There’s an uncomfortable trend: much of the art that gets recognition in wildlife competitions is safe. Beautiful. Decorative. It celebrates nature in a soft light — the kind that pleases without unsettling.
But what about the art that challenges? That asks questions? That stirs something more complex?
Truth Isn't Always Palatable — But It’s Powerful
It can be demoralising to feel that art with deeper intent gets quietly passed over. But I’m learning that this isn’t the end of the road — it’s just not their road.
I’m here to create art that makes you stop, feel, and think.
Finding New Avenues — And Staying True
Instead of silencing myself, I’m looking elsewhere. For platforms, galleries, collectors, and communities that understand that wildlife art can, and should be more than technically accomplished. It should carry weight. And message. And feeling.
So I’m dusting myself down and getting my mojo back.
Because authenticity isn’t just an artistic choice — it’s a responsibility.
Thank You for Walking This Path with Me
To those who support my work — thank you. Whether you’ve bought a piece, sent kind words, or simply paused to really look — you’re part of something meaningful.
I’ll continue to share new work here, including pieces that might never win awards — but which speak the loudest.
Sometimes, art isn’t here to be beautiful.
Sometimes it’s here to be brave.
Blessings and thank-you again.
Clare
