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Sea art in a different way
Last modified: 08 October 2012
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Jane Smith will be amongst six wildlife artists showcasing their work
A pioneering programme, fitting tiny sat-nav style tags to seabirds, is the inspiration behind a new exhibition opening this weekend (13 Oct 2012) at Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum.
The Future of the Atlantic Marine Environment (FAME) project saw scientists, from organisations such as the RSPB, attaching small tracking devices in order to find and protect important feeding areas for seabirds.
This ground breaking data has not only excited conservationists but is also creating a splash in the world of art.
Six artists have put their unique interpretations of the scientific study to paper, encapsulating a snapshot of the UK’s bustling seabird cities.
The ‘Sea art in a different way’ exhibition was the brainchild of wildlife artist Jane Smith and RSPB Conservation Scientist Ellie Owen,following a chance meeting on the seabird cliffs of Colonsay
Jane Smith, wildlife artist, said: “The RSPB-led FAME project looks to uncover some of the mysteries of seabird survival. Ellie and I decided to work together to share a little of the magic of a seabird colony with people not lucky enough to experience it first-hand. By combining art and science in this exhibition we hope to offer a glimpse into that extraordinary world, and unravel some of its mysteries. Scotland’s seabird colonies are a long way from the city centre of Glasgow, but with their bustle and energy and noise there are many similarities. Personally, I take great pleasure knowing that our coastline is home to creatures other than ourselves, who are searching out different solutions to the problems of daily life that we all share.”
Ellie Owen, RSPB’s lead scientist on the FAME project, added: ”This project has really opened our eyes to the secret world of seabirds such as kittiwake, shag, razorbill, guillemot and fulmar. These tiny trackers tell us so much, from how far the birds travel for food to how deep they dive. This in turn is helping inform discussions on management of marine areas so that the needs of seabirds can be met. It’s therefore really interesting to see how this hands on science has been transformed into stunning art stories. It’s a great way of sharing more information about FAME with a different audience.”
The ‘SEA art in a different way’ exhibition runs from 13 -21 October. Entry is free.
For more information visit http://www.rspb.org.uk/events/
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