The competition 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. “I come from a very creative family, and although I never studied art formally, it has always been one of my passions. For many years, I created as a hobby and drew cartoons for friends and family, capturing weddings and special events.
While homeschooling my two children, I promised myself that once they started school, I would join an art group to learn more techniques and develop my gift. I was fortunate to join local artist Anne Watt and her wonderful group of ladies. With their support and encouragement, I gained confidence in my abilities, and my art has flourished ever since. I currently exhibit locally in the Warren Cary Wildlife Gallery, Hoedspruit Art Gallery, and have had the privilege of exhibiting in the Start Art global exhibition, Saatchi Gallery, London,” said Niemann.
She said that as founder and director of Bushwise Field Guides, for 17 years she did not get much time to focus on her art and had the fortune that she had more demand for art than she could produce. “At the same time my husband had a relapse of cancer I decided to step down as director to spend more time and focus on my family and turn to a career as a full-time artist in 2022.” The majority of her art has some elements of textiles and thread.
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“I use a technique called thread painting where I use a sewing machine as my paintbrush and stitch as my paint. It is quite an unusual technique but one that has sparked interest with many galleries and collectors in the last few years. At first glance, my work might look like a classic painting but on a closer look you will start to see the colours and patterns of African fabrics and the textured nature of the stitch, giving the artwork more depth, interest, and wonder,” she added.
She added that she is inspired by Africa, its wildlife, and its people. “Since I arrived in South Africa in 1996 I have lived in and around wildlife, I have the privilege of working as a safari guide and zoologist, studying lions, elephants, and leopards, and completing my MSc on the wild dog. These experiences and the daily inspiration I now have, living on a game farm, shape and inspire much of my work. I believe strongly in the power that art has as a conservation tool.
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People process visual images quicker than words so using art as a tool to connect a wider audience to nature and wildlife conservation is extremely powerful,” she said. She said she is inspired to use her art to make connections, spark conversations, raise awareness, and inspire others to take action in preserving and protecting the natural world.
“This is my first award, but I was shortlisted for the African Wildlife Artist of the Year award 2023. However, to be shortlisted for the internationally recognised DSWF Wildlife Artist of the Year competition has been a goal of mine for many years. I was just happy to be able to attend the prizegiving and to have my artwork hanging in the Mall Gallery, London next to worldclass wildlife artists from around the world,” added Niemann.
