David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year Exhibition
On receiving the news that Paula had been shortlisted to exhibit with the David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year exhibition in London it was indeed for her 'a dream come true'. Many years ago while living in Zimbabwe, Paula was given a small soft cover second-hand book called 'The Man who Loves Giants' about the life of David Shepherd and his love of elephants. This book inspired Paula who admired David Shepherd not only as a world renowned artist but for his passion and commitment to conservation. While doing research in South Africa last year (2013) a chance meeting with conservationists Diggs Pascoe and Kingsley Holgate lead Paula to travel from Empangeni Kwa Zulu Natal to a remote camp in the Pongolo region near Swaziland. During the journey by land-rover, Paula discovered the vehicle she was travelling in vehicle had been donated many years previously by the David Shepherd Foundation to Digg's late sister, who had done ground breaking work for rhino conservation in Namibia. Paula thought at the time that that was probably the closest she would ever get to David Shepherd, not realizing that not even six months later she would meet the man in person. The exhibition preview evening on the 2nd June 2014 at the Mall Galleries in London turned out to be an event Paula will never forget. With about 450 artists and invited guests from all over the world in attendance, the air was electric. The standard of the work was exceptional with artists from all over the world contributing their efforts and passion towards conservation. David Shepherd is and continues to be an inspiration to wildlife artists worldwide who all share a common passion for their natural environment.
Direct Correspondence to:
Paula Wiegmink c/o Paula Wiegmink - Fine Artist
108 Dunsborough Lakes Drive Dunsborough, WA
Australia 6281 Tel: +61410423433
