Artist inspired by a love of wildlife

From Tanzania to Shifnal, sandwich-maker to artist, Simon Stevenson's life has been one of extremes.

But one thing that has remained constant throughout his 53 years is his love and appreciation of wildlife.

And it was that lifelong passion that finally inspired him to make the leap from manufacturing sandwiches to becoming a full-time artist 11 years ago.

Click on the image on the right to see some of Simon's work.

These days, his clients include international fashion designer Tommy Hillfiger and one of the crown princes of the United Arab Emirates. He has now produced more than 120 artworks.

Hidden away in his studio – a converted double garage – Simon uses the unusual medium of tea and dry ochre pigment to create his paintings.

"I can create an image in my mind, for example a herd of elephants walking towards me," he says. "And I then refer to photographs to make sure I get the movement correct."

Mr Stevenson was born in a small outpost at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, and it was there he fell in love with the wildlife. He may now be living in Beckbury, near Shifnal, but his memories of Africa are as vivid as ever.

* For full story see the December issue of Wolverhampton Magazine.