From scarves to face covers - adapting as an artist over lock down:
My year 2020 started with an amazing request from the WWT; Could I create something special just for them?
I was delighted to be asked to collaborate with the wetlands charity conservation team. Their mission complimented my own environmental values, to conserve wildlife by inspiring others to take care of nature.
During winter visits to the Slimbridge reserve I spent hours studying and learning about my latest muse, the Bewick's Swan.
Goose bumps whispered down my arms as I stood sketching in the same spot as the 'Patron Saint of Conservation'. Gazing through his famous large window, I was astonished and honoured to have found myself following in the brushstrokes of artist, pioneering wildlife conservationist, inventor, Olympic sportsman and Naval war hero, Sir Peter Scott.
Starlings rushed overhead, ducks and geese bathed while swans rejoiced in each other's company. One bonded pair of Bewick's by the name of Romeo and Juliet instantly stood out. From Scott's window I witnessed love, devotion and community.
On a clear crisp evening I returned to the Slimbridge reserve during their floodlight swan experience. The birds shimmered in the light, their white plumage set brightly against the dark blue of the water and night sky. The stars twinkled above and for a moment it began to snow just a little. A pair of Bewick's swans glided into view, one raised his body above the water, spread his wings and called out.
The final artwork had just appeared right in front of me, a breathtaking, visual gift from nature.
By March all my research was in place, I was ready to begin the final design, then the year 2020 took an unexpected turn. With shock I watched the world battle, struggle and grieve as Covid 19 spread. I was experiencing the most tragic situation I have ever encountered and all I could do was stay at home.
Like many during this unprecedented time, I found solace in the natural world and through creativity. Natures gift on that winters evening was now my therapy. Each day at home, as I endeavoured to capture the pure beauty of the Bewick's swan, I was transported from the harsh reality of lockdown to the beautiful British wetlands.
Months passed, the spread of the virus slowed and the artwork was complete. As the UK began to carefully try to get back on its feet, business tentatively resumed.
Working with local and British based businesses the detailed design has been printed onto the finest cotton fabric and hemmed by hand in my home town of Lancaster. Silver gilded gift boxes have just arrived in the post from Sussex making the bespoke garment complete.
With the demand for a face-covers to be worn in shops in the UK, I teamed up with a local dressmaker to create beautiful British bird masks. Within a fortnight selling hundreds to my followers - I am humbled by their support and overwhelmed with happiness from their glowing reviews.
As lockdown restrictions relaxed I have been able to venture a little further from home to photograph and film the scarf in the countryside. In our absence it appears that nature has thrived and from this I hope lessons can be learned.
More info: sandygardner.co.uk
Following in the brushstrokes of pioneering conservationist, Sir Peter Scott.
By March all my research was in place, I was ready to begin the final design, then the year 2020 took an unexpected turn. With shock I watched the world battle, struggle and grieve as Covid 19 spread. I was experiencing the most tragic situation I have ever encountered and all I could do was stay at home.
Like many during this unprecedented time, I found solace in the natural world and through creativity. Natures gift on that winters evening was now my therapy. Each day at home, as I endeavoured to capture the pure beauty of the Bewick's swan, I was transported from the harsh reality of lockdown to the beautiful British wetlands.
Like many during this unprecedented time, I found solace in the natural world and through creativity. Natures gift on that winters evening was now my therapy. Each day at home, as I endeavoured to capture the pure beauty of the Bewick's swan, I was transported from the harsh reality of lockdown to the beautiful British wetlands.
Flight of the Bewick's, wearable artwork to aid wetland charity conservation
The Art of Flying: The story of the "Wings of the Bewick's" scarf
In 1963, Peter and Philippa Scott and their young daughter were painting Bewick’s swans at their window in Slimbridge. As they sketched, they noticed each bird’s bill markings were slightly different. They learned to recognise each one by its face and gave them names.
Through their art, the Scott’s discovered their new friends had loyal partners for life. Paired birds will seek each other out if separated during migration and perform joyous ‘triumph ceremonies’ on being re-united. They also mourn the loss of a mate, generally taking at least a year to re-pair with a new partner and even longer to breed.
This is the inspiration behind this beautiful scarf, commissioned from artist and designer Sandy Gardner. During visits to Slimbridge Sandy studied the Scotts’ beak illustrations then sketched and photographed the swans. Within her research two Bewick's, named Romeo and Juliet, stood out. This bonded pair provided the starting point for the artwork, "Wings of the Bewick's".
Each year Romeo and Juliet, like the many other Bewick’s that visit Slimbridge, undertake one of nature’s greatest migrations, flying 3,500 km from their breeding grounds in the far north of Russia to their wintering grounds in Western Europe. But sadly not all make it and numbers have dropped by a third in recent years. There are now less than 21,000 left. Predators, loss of wetlands, illegal hunting, poisoning by lead ammunition and collisions with power lines have all played a part in this dramatic drop in numbers.
Through it’s beautiful and intricate illustrations, this Artwear tells the story of Romeo & Juliet and their extraordinary migration.
Romeo (right) is courting Juliet (left) with his soft honking so evocative of Britain’s wetlands in winter. Together they bob their heads in a blissful courtship dance.
Romeo and Juliet are seen flying through the reed beds. Behind Romeo and Juliet are two large circles featuring the months the Bewick's arrive in the UK (October and November) and depart (February and March).
Under the wings of Romeo and Juliet is a map showing some of the Bewick's summer and winter locations.
Illustrations of power lines and wind turbines depict the dangerous man made obstacles the swans navigate.
Prominent star constellations in the winter sky are featured within the artwork. These include The Plough, Orion and Cygnus (Latin for swan). The Plough constellation, in Latin known as Ursa Major (Greater Bear) is a representation of the swans’ natural threats. Portrayed in the background are brown bears, arctic foxes, weasels and golden eagles, all predators of the Bewick's eggs and cygnets.
Orion is known in mythology as The Hunter. Bewick's are shot illegally by hunters, they are also susceptible to eating the lead ammunition sprayed from shotguns, which poisons, weakens and all too often kills them. The circles towards the back are evocative of a pair of bird watcher’s binoculars.
There is a small Bewick's swan under the right wing. This image is taken from a woodcut of the swan by Robert Elliot Bewick. The swans were named after his father, Thomas Bewick, by zoologist William Yarrell.
Along the top of the scarf there is a murmuration of starlings flying in formation - another UK winter wetland spectacle.
Raven face covers for my followers
"My face mask is indeed a piece of art! Just gorgeous! And even better, it fits brilliantly & I can actually breathe in it!"
Two Barn Owls keeping each other safe
Nicole from the Scottish Owl Centre with Lofty the Barn Owl - isn't he amazing!!
"So, so happy with my mask 😍 The Barn Owl artwork is exquisite and vivid. The material the mask is made from is extremely high quality and it is very comfortable to wear. I work with owls, so I was absolutely thrilled when I came across Sandy Gardner's beautiful artwork and found this stunning design. Our Barn Owl, Lofty, is very impressed with it, too! 😜🦉Thank you so much for your incredible Artwear, Sandy!"
Raven - a star of Hollywood
Pheasant Phoenix Face cover for my best friend
"If we’re going to wear them, might as well wear a beautiful one! ❤️plus support a local business at the same time! "
Pheasant Phoenix gives you wings
"This scarf is a beautiful work of art and a unique gift. It is the perfect wardrobe accessory for the woman in your life, whose wisdom, poise and grace are undeniable and much appreciated.
"I was able to post the scarf directly to my love, Sandy added a personalised message on a beautiful card. Thank you for the extra attention to detail."
"I was able to post the scarf directly to my love, Sandy added a personalised message on a beautiful card. Thank you for the extra attention to detail."
Joe wants to keep his mum wrapped in the wings of a Raven
"My Mums mask arrived yesterday and she is absolutely in love with it! My Mum suffers from respiratory problems and has found this mask easier to breathe in compared to other face masks! Highly recommend! Thanks Sandy"
Pheasant Phoenix - let your natural beauty fly.
Each design begins with a combination of pen and ink line drawings coloured with water colours washes. With the meticulously use of a drawing tablet, fine brush details are added. Each design is completed by digitally combining the hand rendered elements with layered fragments of digital photography and collage.
A Kingfisher keeping her glasses un-fogged
"I suffer from claustrophobia and finding a mask that was reusable that didn’t cause a panic attack was near impossible. However I love Sandy’s artwork at thought I’d give one a go. Arrived today and so pleased not just with the awesome kingfisher design. Very light and airy. Space to breath that doesn’t rebuff back in your face as warm air, which causes my panic attacks. Can adjust the bands around the ears for tightness. "
A barn owl spreads her wings out of lock down
A silk shawl featuring an artwork by Sandy Gardner
Constellation Kingfisher soars in the hot skies
Castle in the Lake District
Wings of the Bewick's overlooking the fells of the Lake District.
Pheasant Phoenix
'Beautiful beyond my wildest expectations and super customer service. It was a birthday gift which went down a storm!
Superb quality and very lovely lady who dealt with my enquiry swiftly, one happy customer.
The most beautiful piece of wearable art. Highly recommended'
Superb quality and very lovely lady who dealt with my enquiry swiftly, one happy customer.
The most beautiful piece of wearable art. Highly recommended'
Even Sandy's mum has wings looking after her
My lovely lovely mum wearing her Kingfisher
Stunning Kingfisher winged scarf and matching mask
"I have 2 scarves and 3 masks from Sandy. They're all beautiful. The masks are so comfortable and I can breathe in them. Stunning designs so well made ,thank you Sandy.
And they don't steam up my glasses!"
And they don't steam up my glasses!"
Icarus and Woodpecker contemplate their flight
Raven in Los Angeles inspired the raven face cover
Sandy in her Kingfisher design
Barn Owl wearable artwork
Pheasant Phoenix winged scarf
Night Owl spreads her wings modelled by myself
Each artwork takes over two months to create