Galleries West Fine Art

Diane Mason, SAA

Discipline(s): Bronze sculpture

Accolades: The Leonard J. Meiselman Memorial Award for Realistic Sculpture Executed in an Academic Manner at the The 43rd Annual Art and the Animal Exhibition and National Tour held at the Hiram Blauvelt Art Museum in Oradell, NJ for "Charlie and the Bug" AVMA Award (American Veterinary Medical Association) at the International Exhibition on Animals in Art at Louisiana State University for "Charlie and the Bug". "Charlie and the Bug" appeared on the cover of the June 2003 the AVMA Journal. Charlotte Dunwiddy Memorial Award for Animal Sculpture, Pen & Brush's 16th Annual Sculpture & Medallic Art Exhibition, New York, NY for "Spring Chicken" Wayne Pomeroy Award at Sculptures in the Streets IV in Mesa, AZ for "Best Seat in the House". 2007 - Chair of the SAA's "Small Works - Big Impressions" Show and Sale at the Wildlife Experience Museum in Parker, CO.

Bio:
My interest in art evolved long ago, as I attempted to “capture” the shapes, textures, and behaviors of beloved pet chickens, ducks, etc. on paper, with pencil or paintbrush. This fascination continued into adult life as I majored in ethnology (animal behavior) at Purdue University – illustrating research papers for both my major professor, and myself.

Scratchboard became my medium of choice in the 80’s, as I taught classes, participated in major mid-western wildlife art shows, and was honored by several one-woman shows in galleries and the Wichita Art Museum. In ’92, a friend introduced me to sculpture – and I was hooked! Workshops with many well-known sculptors over the past several years , coupled with an intimate knowledge of anatomy and behavior, provided the groundwork for my current artistic passion. As always, animals continue to provide the inspiration for my work. Sculpture is almost magic; how else could I enjoy a Blue-footed Booby dancing in my living room?

In my sculpture, I attempt to combine a high degree of anatomical accuracy with an aesthetically pleasing composition. What is most important to me, however, is that my work convey my deep respect and appreciation for the subject. I frequently inject a touch of humor into my work, hoping to make the viewer smile - while at the same time conveying the message that the animals are not that different from us in many behavioral respects. The ethologies (behaviors) of animals have long been a source of fascination for me. I hope my work will inspire a similar interest in others.

Diane Mason is a signature member of the Society of Animal Artists (SAA) and has served on the Executive Board of the organization since 2004.

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