Animal and nature lovers from near and far will enjoy the 44th annual Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE), held at different venues throughout Charleston from Feb. 13-15. The festival’s lineup of events includes conservation education, sporting demonstrations, after-hours gatherings and fine art exhibits where local artists Larry Seymour, Grant Hacking, Eleanor Parker and Kellie Jacobs are looking forward to showcasing their work again this year.
Seymour, who has been exhibiting his work at SEWE for the last 38 years, said he draws inspiration from the thousands of photographs he has taken during two visits to Kenya and travels around the United States as well as pictures that guides, outfitters and photographers frequently share with him. Passionate about creating realistic scenes of nature and wildlife, Seymour adds as many details into his work as possible.
Seymour credits SEWE for being an incredible platform where he’s had the opportunity to share his collections with thousands of art enthusiasts. “Many of the visitors have become great friends that I can’t wait to see here every February,” he said. “As I’ve also become good friends with so many fantastic artists at SEWE who have helped me in my work, I will never forget all that the program has done for me.”
When Hacking, who moved to the United States from South Africa at age 22, kept hearing about the SEWE show, he called to ask if he could participate. More than 30 years later, he is still honored to participate each year. “I was the featured artist in 2015, which was an experience of a lifetime, and I have won many awards at the show over the years,” he commented.
Hacking added that his earliest inspiration comes from his childhood in South Africa, surrounded by the wildlife and sweeping landscapes of the scenic country. He later lived on the Isle of Palms before moving to New England to raise his daughters. “Both places have deeply influenced my work. The changing seasons, along with the lakes, coast and mountains of New England shaped my artistic vision. I have recently returned to the South, where I find myself once again inspired by the coastal environment,” he said. “My hope is that locals see familiar landscapes and wildlife reflected back to them with a renewed sense of appreciation for this beautiful place.”
When it comes to participating in SEWE decade after decade, Hacking recounted, “The entire experience brings out a huge sense of pride, and it makes me work very hard to produce the best work I possibly can.”
Parker, whose family is from Mount Pleasant and who has lived on Shem Creek for 30 years, paints the Lowcountry marshes and creeks in oils. “I try to paint the subtle effects the light has on the sky, marsh and water,” she said. “I like the moodiness of the morning light and the beautiful sky as the sun goes down.”
She finds inspiration from the way the light shines on the water or changes the colors of the marsh. “We have the best skies because they are never the same,” she said. “I hope my art reminds people of the calm that comes from nature. I hope it reminds them of a creek they have spent time in or a sunset they have seen.”
For Parker, “SEWE is so important to Charleston because it brings people to the Lowcountry from all over.”
Jacobs said she also finds inspiration from the coastal light, which she paints with pastel layers. “My color palette is sub
tle and atmospheric, inspired by early mornings, quiet afternoons and the calm before dusk,” she explained.
As conservation and habitat protection are vital themes in Jacobs’ art, she said she can’t think of a more important organization that is dedicated to protecting wildlife and their habitats than SEWE. “I’ve been an artist with SEWE the last seven years, and I am privileged to be able to raise awareness and support for the preservation of our local marshes and beaches. Being able to share my pastel paintings and love of nature is a truly rewarding aspect of SEWE. I’m hoping that my artwork serves as a daily reminder of the importance of preserving the beauty that surrounds us,” she said.
“Plus, I enjoy meeting new people who share the same love for the outdoors. Through my art, I hope viewers feel a sense of calm, connection and respect for our treasured coastal landscapes.”
For a preview of the artists’ works, go to larryseymourwildlifeart.com, granthacking.com, elparkerpaintings.com and kelliejacobsart.com.
By Sarah Rose
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