Friend of Leica, Will Rose has been accepted into The Natural Eye 2024, the 61st annual exhibition of the Society of Wildlife Artists, which runs from the 17th – 27th October 2024.
I’m delighted to share that my animated work, inspired by my time spent in Wild Finca in May has been accepted for this years Society of Wildlife Artists Natural Eye exhibition at the Mall Galleries.
The Society of Wildlife Artists is a registered charity that seeks to generate an appreciation of and delight in the natural world through all forms of fine art based on or representing the world’s wildlife. The focus of the Society’s year is the annual exhibition, The Natural Eye, featuring all art media. Considered the foremost event in the British wildlife art calendar, it is a platform for the very best of art inspired by the natural world. Spain, where Wild Finca is located, is one of Europe’s most biodiverse countries and Asturias, is one of the most diverse provinces in Spain.






My affection for Wild Finca goes back to when me, Katie Stacey and Luke Massey first collaborated on their film, ‘The Last Song of the Nightingale’ back in 2019 when they invited me over to see their new place in Asturias. They have done a wonderful job creating a superb haven for wildlife. I love that almost anything can turn up as you sit out on the mound drinking your morning coffee. That’s where I saw the Black Woodpecker one misty morning. Not only did I have great views of my first ever Black Woodpecker, I observed hunting Goshawk, countless Melodious Warbler and also helped Luke locate his beloved Red-backed Shrike. I recorded sounds in the field and returned home to begin bringing my observations to life via the medium of animation.
Wild Finca is also a special place as it holds a strong connection to my late Dad. Before he passed away he and my mum wanted to help Luke and Katie with their re-wilding project and so made a donation to acquire some woodland that we now call Rose wood.
An everlasting reminder for me of my dad and our families connection with nature.
To visit the exhibition and see Will’s Wild Finca animation head here: https://www.mallgalleries.org.uk/