A SCULPTOR from Bratton Clovelly has been shortlisted for an international art prize.

Sculptor Nick Mackman has been shortlisted for the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation’s (DSWF) Wildlife Artist of the Year award.

Celebrating its tenth year, the international event will showcase some of the world’s best wildlife art at London’s prestigious Mall Galleries this summer, from June 28 until July 2.

Nick’s works – The Three Musketeers and Playing the Loch Ness Monster — will be vying for the top £10,000 prize.

Nick said: ‘My art is informed by my life-long love of animals. Most of my animal sculptures are based on observations made in the wild and reflect a concern for preserving endangered species.

‘I grew up with a dog by my side and learned from an early age that every animal has its own distinctive personality.

‘As an artist my work is a continually evolving exploration of animal behaviour. I never start a new piece without making that connection with my subject. I need to understand the animal, its environment, behaviour and personality; know its story and what it’s feeling.’

Nick will find out if either of his pieces of artwork have won at the showcase at the end of this month.

One hundred and sixty three pieces have been with the judges making their final selection on the morning of Tuesday, June 27 ahead of the private view and prize-giving that evening.

Shauna Rees, event organiser for DSWF, said: ‘The sheer diversity of media and form this year has created an extraordinary celebration of the natural world and a huge challenge for the judges.’

Gary Hodge, an award-winning artist who will be a judge this year, said: ‘This year’s shortlist brings the wild to life. From the silence of a shark casting its shadowy form on the ocean bed to the scuttling of armadillos, the peacefulness of hippos wallowing in the early morning sun and the symphony of bird song at dusk, selecting the overall winner from this amazing collection will be extremely hard.’

Commenting on the event, wildlife artist and conservationist, David Shepherd said: ‘I set up my Foundation with the sole purpose of giving something back to the animals that helped me achieve success as an artist.

‘At a time when the world’s wildlife is under such devastating pressure from expanding human populations and the illegal trade, it seems fitting that we take a step back and reflect on the sheer beauty and diversity of our natural world and what could be lost if we do not truly appreciate the value of the world around us.’

Each piece in the exhibition at the Mall Galleries is for sale, with profits split equally between the artists and the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation’s wildlife conservation projects across Africa and Asia. Since 2007, the event has raised more than £350,000 to help protect some the world’s most endangered wildlife.