Wildlife artist set for Open Studios
Jonathan’s ark work for Countryfile Live goes on show
Comrie-based wildlife artist Jonathan Sainsbury is showing his installation from the BBC Countryfile Live event in Comrie from Saturday.
He is taking part in the Perthshire Open Studios showcase, with his works on display at St Serf’s Church until September 7.
The installation combines wildlife art and conservation.
Jonathan built his stand for Countryfile to look like an ark, to suggest that wildlife art forms a part of wildlife conservation. It is a work of art in its own right.
Mr Sainsbury, a past winner of the Maude Gemmell Hutchison prize at the Scottish Royal Academy, used his skills to highlight wildlife and conservation at Countryfile Live.
A spokesperson explained: “He wanted his art to remind viewers of the conservation needs of many of our native species.
“As well as featuring threatened species in his own pictures, he linked with conservation charities Songbird Survival and the British Dragonfly Society to provide resources to show alongside his work.
“In Comrie there is an added attraction in the shape of Jonathan’s tame starling, who has been an inspiration for several pictures.
“Rescued at three days from certain death, having been pulled out of his nest by a predator, Tweet lives in an aviary in the artist’s home, entertaining all who meet him with his imitations of human voices.
“Tweet will be present in his aviary during the show alongside pictures he has inspired.”
Perthshire Open Studios runs from September 3 to 11 and brings together more than 200 artists and 140 studios for a trail to take in their creativity.
The event also takes in parts of Perthshire’s old county boundary which now fall under Stirling Council. Venues are dotted in Dunblane and the Callander area on the plum route.
The series of events, now in their ninth year, have previously attracted more than 18,000 visitors, boosted by a route map tying together various artists and styles.
Some 20,000 brochures have been printed as part of this year’s cultural event.
Seven routes are in place for 2016 and visitors are invited to tour around the galleries for free.
A showcase exhibition is being held until September 11 at the Bield, Blackruthven. It will include examples of the work from many of the artists and makers who are participating.
A second showcase exhibition will be running at Pitlochry Festival Theatre in the River room from September 3 to 30. Both will feature work from POS artists.
For a full list of the event’s venues see www.perthshireopenstudios.com.
Jonathan wanted his work to remind us of the conservation needs of many species