I have been creating drawings and prints of animals recently, focusing into the intricate details and unique characteristics that make each creature unique. My approach has involved using traditional materials such as pencils, pastels, and ink on paper, allowing me to capture the subtleties of texture and form that are essential in portraying these subjects.
Throughout my practice, I have found inspiration in various representations of nature found throughout history. I am particularly fascinated by how different cultures and time periods have depicted animals, reflecting their beliefs, values, and relationships with the environment. This exploration has led me to think critically about the role of art in shaping our understanding of nature and the myriad ways it can be interpreted.
Through the MA program, I aim to build upon my previous practice by further investigating diverse portrayals of nature. I intend to explore the historical context behind these representations, examining how techniques and materials have evolved and how these changes have influenced the way animals are viewed artistically.
This will not only enhance my artistic skills but also deepen my connection to the themes I am passionate about. I hope my work can lead to my audience to think about our relationship with the natural world, helping to create a greater understanding and appreciation for the creatures that inhabit it.
Horniman Museum – Natural History Gallery
To begin my research, I visited the Natural History Gallery at the Horniman Museum to take photographs and create studies of the animal specimens on display. The Natural History Gallery is a space that houses an extensive collection of taxidermy specimens of various species from all around the world. This collection represents humanity's fascination with the natural world, showcasing our historical interactions with nature across different cultures and time periods. As the Gallery was opened in the early 19th century by Frederick John Horniman, it reflects the intense curiosity of the Victorian and Edwardian eras, a time when many naturalists and collectors embarked on journeys to document and preserve specimens from around the world.
During my visit, I was drawn to the diversity of the exhibits, which not only included taxidermy but also informational panels that provided scientific descriptions of the species on display. These offered insights into how nature was perceived, categorised, and studied throughout history. Viewing these specimens firsthand has deepened my understanding of the relationships between different species and their habitats, and it has highlighted the role that human intervention has played in shaping the natural world as we know it today.
Visiting the Natural History Gallery was essential to my research, as it allowed me to explore a wide range of animal species alongside the scientific observations associated with them. This experience has inspired me to reflect on how I want to incorporate these animals into my future artistic practice. I am particularly interested in how the animals I choose to depict will interact with the environments I create in my artwork. Each species has its own unique ecology, behaviours, and symbolic meanings that I look forward to exploring further. The insights gained from this visit will inform my creative process moving forward, encouraging me to consider not just the aesthetic aspects of my work, but also its deeper connections to the natural world and the histories that shape our understanding of it.
John James Audubon, 'American Flamingo' (1838),
John James Audubon
During my research, I encountered the work of John James Audubon. Audubon was an American naturalist, ornithologist, and painter. He travelled across America, where he began his work documenting the various species of birds living on the continent, capturing aspects of nature that were discovered before industrialisation could reach their habitats and threaten them with extinction.
I believe Audubon’s illustrations are a form of symbolism, as the birds he documents are purposefully positioned to fit as best onto the page of his book as possible, making them into something purposefully made to be easily understood, physically. One notable example is his painting titled "American Flamingo," with the flamingo prominently placed in the foreground, allowing for a clear view of other members of its species in the background. This thoughtful composition not only highlights individual species but also communicates their relationships between themselves and within their ecosystem.
Looking into Audubon’s practice has inspired me to further consider the placement and positioning of my subjects, with the potential to reposition and shape them in contrast to how I've physically viewed them. This exploration of perspective encourages a deeper understanding of the subject matter and its context, inviting viewers to connect with the artwork on a deeper level. By experimenting with composition, I hope to further provoke thought in my audience, much like Audubon did through his artistic documentation of birds. This approach could lead to new interpretations and a richer narrative within my own creative practice.
Why Look at Animals?
I have read the book Why Look at Animals? (2009) by John Berger. This book presents a series of thought-provoking essays by Berger that discuss the relationships between humans and other animals. What makes this text particularly noteworthy is its exploration of various examples of contemporary anthropomorphism—the act of attributing human-like characteristics and emotions to non-humans. It is a device that has been utilised throughout human history to create connections, meaning, and foster understanding between human societies and the natural world around us.
Anthropomorphism has played a crucial role in how we interpret and engage with animals, as it allows us to relate to them on a more personal level. Through his essays, I have encountered questions about how we perceive animals, why do we project our human experiences onto them, and in what ways can such viewpoints shape our understanding of the animal kingdom. These questions resonate with me as I navigate my artistic process.
Reading Berger’s work has led me to carefully consider the contexts in which my artwork will exist. I realise that the environment and presentation of my work can influence how audiences perceive and interpret what they are viewing. Every detail can affect the audience's personal views of the subjects of my practice.
As I continue to develop my artistic practice during my MA, I will draw inspiration from Berger's essays to imbue my work with meaning. By incorporating elements of anthropomorphism into my practice, I aim to encourage a dialogue that will expand my audiences’ perceptions of animals and their roles in our lives and environment. My goal is to create an experience that not only engages the audience but also creates a deeper understanding of the connections between humans and other animals. This exploration will be a cornerstone of my artistic practice, inspiring me to create pieces that reflect these relationships.
Bibliography:
Natural History Gallery, Horniman Museum and Gardens (Visited on 12/11/24)
Berger, J. (2009) ‘Why Look at Animals?’, London, London: Penguin
Audubon, J. American Flamingo. Available at: https://www.audubon.org/birds-of-america/americanflamingo (Accessed on 29/1/25)