Louise Bird - About the Artist

I have always looked towards natural history for inspiration. During my degree course in Fine Art Printmaking, I became fascinated by bees and my interest has continued until this day. I get great satisfaction knowing that my artwork is helping spread awareness that bees are under threat from loss of habitat, as a result of modern farming methods and the decline of wild areas. Currently my subjects have broadened to include insects and birds.

I enjoy using a variety of print techniques, most notably mezzotint, which involves a great deal of time and patience. I am always discovering new ways of combining techniques and I often layer prints as a way to create depth in an image. I enjoy Collagraph and Monoprint in conjunction with mezzotint and often include painting and drawing to create unique results.

I have been a practicing printmaker working from my studio in Norfolk for over 20 years. I have exhibited widely, my work being seen at 'The Society of Wildlife Artists annual show, London, The Royal College of Art, London, and the Affordable Art Fair, New York, to name a few. I am proud to be involved with 'The Norwich Print Fair' since its first show in 1995 and have also organised and curated 'Print Fair Elements' at The Forum, Norwich, both these events dedicated to promoting printmaking in Norfolk and Suffolk. 

"Louise's fascination with the bee world has dominated her work as a printmaker for many years. She is an expert on the various species, and their habitats. Her large pieces are part hand-made print, part painting - working only with printing inks directly onto paper. Giant bumblebees tumble across the paper - furry, cuddly and glowing. Honeybees work busily, unaware of the magnifying glass held up to see them. In these, and smaller works, Louise opens our eyes to the charm of the insect world."

Tracy Myers 2007

Achievements

1990 City College, Norwich
Top 'A' Level Art and Design result in the UK

1994 Norfolk Institute of Art and Design
BA Hons Fine Art Printmaking

1995 Founder Member of the Norwich Print Fair
Going on to organise and curate nine 'Print Fair Elements' exhibitions.

2004 The Mall Galleries London
My work was selected for 'The Society of Wildlife Artists' Exhibition.

2011 'Wildlife in Printmaking' Langford Press Edited by Carry Akroyd
This publication features my original mezzotints - to find out more about the book visit the Langford Press website.

2013 'A Sting in the Tale' by Dave Goulson, published by Jonathan Cape
My series of original Mezzotints 'Bumblebee Species' was used for the cover design.
'Dave Goulson has always been obsessed with wildlife, from his childhood menagerie of exotic pets and dabbling in experimental taxidermy to his groundbreaking research into the mysterious ways of the bumblebee and his mission to protect our rarest bees.'
Visit Amazon.co.uk to order a copy

2014 'A Buzz in the Meadow' by Dave Goulson, published by Jonathan Cape
I was delighted to be asked to provide illustrations for the cover design. In 'A Buzz in the Meadow' Dave Goulson tells the story of how he bought a derelict farm in the heart of rural France, together with 33 acres of surrounding meadow and how, over a decade, he has created a place for his beloved bumblebees to thrive.
Visit Amazon.co.uk to order a copy

2015 'Fine Print East Anglia's Artists Celebrate 20 years of The Norwich Print Fair' Published by Mascot Media
As a regular exhibitor with 'The Norwich print Fair' I feature in this book which is a celebration of the printmaker's craft, reproducing highly diverse work by 55 artists with different interests, influences and techniques. Visit www.mascotmedia.co.uk for more information.

2016 University of Cambridge
My original etching 'Bombus terrestris, Workers' was used as part of the interior design in the department of Zoology, as a large display panel.

2018 'The Illustrated Garden' Published by Mascot Media
I am delighted to feature in 'The Illustrated Garden' book which features 69 printmakers from the UK. Visit www.mascotmedia.co.uk for more information.

2018 'The Natural Eye' Mall Galleries, London
My latest mezzotint 'Bumblebees on Knapweed' was selected for The Society of Wildlife Artists annual exhibition 'The Natural Eye' at The Mall Galleries, London

2019 Royal Academy Summer Show
I was delighted to have my series of mezzotints 'Bumblebee Species 2' selected for the Royal Academy Summer Show. It was the first time I applied and was thrilled to have my work displayed along side many other exceptional artworks.