Artist Statement & Biography

 

I have drawn and painted for as long as I can remember. For some of us, creativity is not a choice but something instinctive - something woven into the bones.

 

Although I achieved the highest grades in art at school, I was advised to pursue a more “secure” vocation by career advisors. At seventeen, impressionable and pragmatic, I took that advice and built a corporate career spanning more than twenty years. It was valuable, formative and grounding, but art was always there, waiting patiently in the wings.

 

Now, as a mother and with the perspective that experience brings, I have returned to what has always felt most natural - creating. Establishing myself as a wildlife artist has been both instinctive and quietly defiant - a reminder that it is never too late to follow what calls you. The decision to step fully into my practice during 2024, was not only personal; it is something I hope sets an example - that a creative life, or following your passion, is not indulgent, but courageous.

 

From a young age, wildlife has shaped my world. Today, I combine my lifelong love of nature with a contemporary fine-art practice rooted in observation, symbolism and emotion. My use of gilding has been self-taught and through years of experimentation, I have create a style that I feel is both unique and intuitive.

 

My work sits between traditional subject matter and modern expression. I am drawn to iconic and much-loved British wildlife - birds, highland cows, octopus, hares, stags and other creatures or nature - leaves and shells - that hold iconic and symbolic presence - but I reinterpret them through a contemporary eye: Fluid brushwork, expressive mark-making and subtle drips or flicks of paint introduce movement and energy, while distressed techniques and layers of gold, silver and copper gilding create texture, light and depth.

 

This interplay between heritage and modernity defines my style. My wildlife art is recognisable yet unexpected - timeless subjects given a contemporary edge. The colour palettes are considered and interior-led, designed to complement spaces without overpowering them. Each original artwork and fine art print is created to command attention quietly; to draw the viewer closer or to invite contemplation or to spark conversation.

 

Symbolism often plays an important role in my practice. Titles often add narrative and meaning, allowing collectors to form their own personal connection with a piece. Nature or biophilic art, for me, is grounding - a steady counterbalance to modern noise. I hope that sense of calm, strength and perspective resonates through my work and into the homes in which my pieces live.

 

Occasionally, I allow myself a “wildcard” piece - an idea that refuses to quieten until it is realised on canvas and my love of Matisse and his latter 'cut out' pieces have shaped some of my work. More often than not, however, I am kept awake by a constant flow of colour and composition. There are more ideas than I could create in a lifetime and that restless creative energy continues to drive the evolution of my practice.

 

You only get one life. Mine is now firmly rooted in canvas, brush and paint, wildlife and the pursuit of meaningful, contemporary British art.

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Follow Victoria on Instagram: @victoriakirtley_art & Facebook: @victoria.kirtley.art.