AN artist from Bratton Clovelly has been shortlisted for the prestigious David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) Wildlife Artist of the Year 2011 award.

Sculptor Nick Mackman will have two pieces of her work displayed as part of a 150 strong exhibition shortlist at the prestigious Mall Galleries in London. It follows on from her success at last year's competition, where she won the open category.

Nick creates one-off ceramic animal sculptures.  Her work has been widely exhibited and features in a number of important private collections.  She has accepted commissions from British Airways and the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, with which she has been associated for ten years. 

Nick's pieces, entitled 'Fossa' and 'Self Conscious', are considered strong contenders in the '3D' and 'Endangered Wildlife' categories.

Speaking about the two pieces, Nick said: 'The first piece, entitled 'Self Conscious' is of a Sumatran rhino calf sat down, and as the title says, he's looking rather self-conscious!

'The second piece is called 'Fossa' and is a sculpture of a Madagascan predator that eats lemurs. It's quite an unusual looking piece for an unusual looking animal.

'It's nice to have pieces in the exhibition again. It's the third year in a row I'll have had pieces in, and it was special last year because I actually won an award!'

Founder of the DSWF and judge of the artwork David Shepherd said: 'The standard of work in 2011 has been quite remarkable. And Nick's work is up there with the very best.'

David invited Nick along to his eightieth birthday celebrations recently. She said: 'What was cool was that the party was held at the Natural History Museum in the entrance hall. It was quite stunning, with tables all stationed around the diplodocus in the hall! It was a fantastic night.'

The winners will be announced by David Shepherd and wildlife photographer, presenter and conservationst, Mark Carwardine at a private preview evening on June 6 at the Mall Galleries.

There is also a solo show of Nick's animal sculptures, inspired by her recent visit to Zambia, at the prestigious Beaux Arts Gallery in Bath. The exhibition runs until June 12. The exhibition will include a significant new body of work, including elephants, lions and warthogs.

To see more of Nick's sculptures, visit her website at http://www.clayanimalsculptures.co.uk">www.clayanimalsculptures.co.uk