The Art of Survival: Fight, Protect, Engage
In 1984 world renowned wildlife artist the late David Shepherd formed the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation in his own name. Now, 36 years later and with over £10.5 million granted to conservation projects across Africa and Asia, his grand daughter, the inspirational Georgina Lamb continues his legacy as the charities CEO. Here, in her own words, is the story of DSWF’s inception and why wildlife art remains at the heart of their organisation.
DSWF: Our Origins
When my late grandfather, world renowned artist and conservationist David Shepherd, established the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) in 1984, it was due to his unwavering belief that he felt he owed a debt to the wildlife that graced his canvases and granted him his painting success. 36 years on and the arts are as fundamental to us as they were to him.
Wildlife art, in all its forms, helps to paint a picture and transport people to a place of wonder, awe and fascination. I am not alone in my belief that there truly is no other parallel to the vivid and colourful inspiration which nature provides. Through photographers like William, wildlife and the wilderness is brought into stark focus for mass enjoyment regardless of the distance we can find ourselves from the more exotic subjects and remote locations.
David Shepherd CBE (1931-2017) in his studio. Image credit: Will Brembridge
We have always delighted in, and are hugely proud of, the creative community we call our colleagues and friends at DSWF. Their art goes beyond a simple ability to inspire and connect and often acts as gatekeepers and storytellers for our work. The old maxim that a picture paints a thousand words is superseded by the concept that art can invoke the actions of thousands. It brings home in a single snapshot the real reason as to why DSWF exists. Photography and art can shine a light on the beautiful yet vulnerable world we fight to protect. It can also tell the more sinister story of why we exist. Images of vanishing species, shrinking landscapes, desolate vistas can take your breath away and transport you to a world we would rather close our eyes to. It can be haunting as well as beautiful and will take you on an emotional journey which inspires you to help.
‘Stormy Skies’ by David Shepherd. Image courtesy of DSWF
How We Operate
As a small organisation in terms of team size and operational budget, we often find ourselves described as punching well above our weight. Whilst this is something we are of course incredibly proud of, it means that our relationships with wildlife photographers and other creative contributors are absolutely vital to our survival. With minimal budget allocation spent on marketing, advertising and travel, we are able to send as much funding as possible directly to conservation efforts on the ground. In addition, photography rights gifted to us allow us to highlight our vision and mission in a way we otherwise wouldn’t be able to achieve. Wildlife photography brings to life and breaths vivacity into our work and mission to turn the tide on extinction.
Indian Summer by David Shepherd, courtesy of DSWF
We find ourselves on an environmental knife edge requiring a bill of health we might not be able to afford. When we consider the rate of biodiversity loss and ecological destruction the future can often look bleak. We are living through the sixth mass extinction and more than a million species are at risk of becoming extinct in mere decades. Wildlife art, however, gives us hope in a single snapshot, reminding us in all its glory why inactivity is not an option.
The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation was established to help protect some of the world’s most endangered and threatened wildlife in Africa and Asia, a cause we have granted over £10.5 million pounds to.
Vision For The Future
We believe that whilst humans are so often the cause of extinction, overexploitation and environmental destruction, they also lie at the heart of the solution. As a species we are slowly waking up to the fact that our actions have devastating consequences to the health of our planet and that unless we stabilise, reverse and ultimately change our consumptive habits on a global scale, our only home will buckle under the weight of our selfishness.
My grandfather firmly believed that the most dangerous species on the earth was Man. At the same time he was also one of the most passionate, enthusiastic and sociable men I have ever spent time with. Whilst he prioritised sitting around an African camp fire listening to the stories of local tribesman over demanding change from inside a boardroom, he believed in the hope that human’s reliance and love for nature would prevail. He painted a world he longed for and fought with every fibre of his being to protect.
David Shepherd through the years, images courtesy of DSWF
For us, this same view is embedded in our belief that people are at the heart of conservation and that education is one of the most powerful tools on offer. While these lengthier and more complex solutions take longer to root, we are proud to also support the operations on the ground which keep wildlife safe until such time that the protection of wildlife and nature required from humans is obsolete.
DSWF have always been proud to support and fund the brave men and women who stand as the first line of defence against wildlife crime, often in the more remote and obscure locations tourists often fear to tread. These are the locations and people who’s stories are often only told by wildlife artists and photographers who play an important role in elevating their voices and raising awareness for their conservation needs.
Art is a part of our DNA. It is our heritage as well as our future. It allows us to not only raise vital funds to keep our conservation efforts alive and operational but also connects us to audiences around the world through a brighter and wider lens.
My grandfather would delight in our new partnership with William. It celebrates a Continent which inspired his life’s work and deepest passions while making a real and meaningful impact on the wildlife he dedicated his life to saving.
