Speaker: Bev Lewis “The art of natural history illustration”
Bev Lewis is a local artist with particular expertise in natural history illustration. Bev says of her work: “Why do natural history art? Why not take a photo? My aim is to do with the human eye and pencils more than can be achieved with an electronic ‘eye’ and pixels. Direct connection between eye and hand provides an intimacy with the natural history subject that brings it to ‘life’. My artworks aim at accurate realism and are on the scientific illustration end of the art spectrum. Building upon the long tradition of scientific illustration, I aim to give a fresh, contemporary twist to produce something of beauty and scientific merit. A piece has turned out well for me when the viewer is encouraged to see nature in new ways.”
Bev’s works are held in private collections, the State Botanical Collection at the Herbarium of Victoria, the State Library of Victoria and the City of Melbourne. In 2012 Bev was awarded the Celia Rosser Medal for excellence of the art form including the highest degree of scientific accuracy. She grew up with a passion for the natural world and has been creating her art works since 2002.
Observations: Members and visitors are invited to share their recent interesting observations at the meeting. Please email any photos as uncropped JPEG file(s) and supporting notes to Jill Williams (jilliwill33@gmail.com) by noon on the day of the meeting.