Best natural history student artist of 2014 announced
The winner of the 2014 Australian Geographic Natural History Illustration award has been won by Esther Bolz.
“I felt both proud and humbled to received the award,” says Esther.
Australian Geographic has been supporting the $1000-prize to up-and-coming talented University of Newcastle students since 2009.
“Studying the Natural History Illustration Degree at University of Newcastle really opened my eyes to a whole world of ideas and opportunities in creative expression,” says Esther.
“I have always been a nature-lover. As a child my siblings and I would explore the backyard and local Georges River bushland for hours on end. Rescuing baby birds and lizards was a regular event and I believe the freedom we were given to be outdoors sparked a desire to care for and appreciate the natural world.
Drawing has been a skill I’ve slowly developed since I was young. Taking art and photography classes in high school really confirmed for me that I wanted a creative career. I have developed a real passion for accuracy and detail in my work.
I am driven by the desire to create images that are more than just works of art – images that inform, create ideas, initiate change and reveal the unknown. I believe the art of traditional illustration, specifically scientific illustration, is an invaluable learning resource for both professionals and the general public.”
Another of Esther’s artworks: yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus funereus) and Waratah (Telopea speciosissma).
