Award winning artists have been taking the plunge to show the magic of our seas. The extraordinary work of the winners of The Wildlife Trusts’Underwater Art Award goes on show in Dorset this month, highlighting the urgent need for Marine Conservation Zones.
The award, established in Dorset in 2007 in association with the Society of Wildlife Artists (SWLA), provides a bursary for an established artist to learn to dive and then to work underwater off the coast, recording the wildlife of the sea in art. Works range from paintings to sculpture from around the coast of Britain to raise awareness of the plight of our marine life.
Tompot Blenny by Kim Atkinson.
Sand eels by Antonia Phillips.
Peter Tinsley, Living Seas Manager at Dorset Wildlife Trust, who originated the award, said: “This is a unique chance to see our marine world through the eyes of four very different artists from their very different diving experiences; we are extremely grateful to them for supporting the cause of our sea wildlife at this crucial time.”
Painters Esther Tyson from Derbyshire, Kim Atkinson from North Wales and Antonia Phillips from Swanage dived off the Dorset coast and Harriet Mead, sculptor and President of the SWLA, discovered the wonders of the Norfolk coast. Harriet said: “The Wildlife Trusts’ Underwater Art Award was a tremendous opportunity to see the extraordinary life beneath the waves. The marine habitat is an environment that few people have the chance to experience so not only did the diving inspire my work it has also made me determined to spread the word about the precious world that surrounds the UK coastline” .
Of 127 recommended Marine Conservation Zones, chosen after two years of hard work by stakeholders from all sectors of the marine environment, the Government proposes to designate only 31. The Wildlife Trusts urge people to support a full network of protected areas by responding to the public consultation, which closes on 31st March.
The Underwater Art for Action Exhibition is open from Saturday 16thuntil Tuesday 26th March 10am to 4pm at the Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, DT4 9XE. Free event, donations towards marine conservation. For more information, ring 01305 206191.
Help save our seas and have your say on marine conservation zones at wildlifetrusts.org. Dorset Wildlife Trust is part of the Natural Weymouth and Portland Partnership; connecting people with nature.
