Dreams Can Come True

When I decided I wanted to become a Wildlife Conservation Artist, it was in large part, because I was moved by some of the extraordinary artists involved with the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation.

To now be named a Finalist in the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation Artist of the Year 2022 is . . . well . . . hard for me to describe.  I am so very thankful to be at a place in my life where I can use this beautiful talent I’ve had hidden away for so long, to support our wildlife rescuers and protectors.

Having spent the past 9 months, rescuing and caring for orphaned kangaroo joeys under the tutelage of seasoned wildlife carers I know firsthand the pain, costs, love and devotion it requires.  That my artwork can help provide funding to the people who have dedicated their lives to saving our precious wildlife is a dream come true. 

DSWF’s selection of ‘Sunset Millie’ to be a finalist and therefore included in what is known as the “Oscars of the Wildlife Arts”, event/exhibit is still sinking in.  If you know me, you know how precious this piece is to me.  She represents not of what’s been lost, but of the many kangaroo lives that have been saved by the Cobargo Wildlife Sanctuary here in NSW Australia.   

Since its inception in 2008, Wildlife Artist of the Year has raised more than £1.2 million for DSWF’s ground-based conservation partners. Now my original Millie painting gets to help DSWF raise money and awareness for wildlife conservation across Africa and Asia.

Congratulations to all of the finalists, and every one of the 900 artists that submitted their work; it is such an honour to be a part of this amazing community.

To learn more about DSWF visit www.davidshepherd.org

And for BBC Wildlife Magazine visit www.discoverwildlife.com