Local artist Sophie Niemann, has been shortlisted as a finalist for the prestigious David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year Award 2024 (1 – 6 July, 2024), a competition often considered the ‘Oscars’ of the wildlife art world.
Sophie is a local artist had as been based near Hoedspruit for the past 27 years. She was originally from the UK and came over to SA in 1996 and was a safari guide at Makalali Game Reserve, before working for Global Vision International setting up conservation and community volunteer programmes around Africa. She was more recently known as the founder and director of Bushwise Field Guides. She turned to a career as a full time artist in 2022. She has quickly become known in the art world for her unique ‘thread painting’ technique. Sophie now dedicates herself fully to her art, exhibiting locally and internationally.
This year the competition received entries from 46 countries and over 1500 artworks. “It has been a goal of mine to be shortlisted for a few years now, it feels amazing to make it this far, so I am over the moon” commented Sophie.
Sophie’s competition entry, “Ethereal stalker”, is made only with thread on fabric and this, and her other artwork has received significant attention due to this unique technique known as ‘thread painting’. She skilfully uses cotton thread as her paint, and a sewing machine as her brush. “In this artwork, I hope to capture the elusive and transcendent essence of a stalking leopard, moving with ghostly elegance in and out of the shadows, whilst approaching its prey.’
Since becoming a full-time artist, she has been showcasing her work at a number of gallery’s in South Africa, including locally in the Warren Carey Wildlife Gallery and the Hoedspruit Art Gallery. Her unique and captivating pieces have also found homes in international collections.
Sophie is asking the local Hoedspruit community for their support in the upcoming public vote, which runs concurrently with the exhibition from 26 June to 1 July. To support Sophie and her work, cast your vote during this period at the link below, and we all wish her luck!.
Note:
The David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year Award is an internationally renowned wildlife art competition and exhibition. Each year it attracts entries from some of the most talented artists around the globe, who come together to celebrate the beauty of the natural world. The competition has attracted more than 17 500 entries, and through entry fees, exhibition sales, and sponsorships, has raised nearly £2 million.
There is also an online exhibition of all the artworks which will run from 26 June – 6 July in the David Shepard Wildlife Foundation gallery and shop.
To vote follow this link: https://davidshepherd.org/wildlife-art/competitions/wildlife-artist-of-the-year/way-2024/peoples-choice-award-voting/
For more information about the artist and her work, please visit www.sophieniemannart@gmail.com
