Curated Collection

Each month we have a guest curator who selects some of their favourite pieces from the virtual exhibition to display in their collection.

Collection curated by

Jack Wallington

I am a landscape designer focussed on contemporary gardens that are good for wildlife and us. Working with businesses and private homes, I have designed over 60 gardens since switching careers a few years ago. The starting point for my work is studying natural habitats, landscapes and wildlife, trying to capture wild magic to bring to our gardens. Alongside my design work I am a published author of a number of books including Wild about Weeds, focussed on wildflowers. When I’m not designing and writing, I’m out in nature drawing and photographing what I see.

I design wildlife friendly gardens and landscapes, thinking carefully about habitats and the right plants to match with local wildlife. This allows me to imagine, draw and paint gardens for people that also benefit wildlife, often introducing many native or helpful plants for insects and birds, also loved by us. I’m also a keen photographer and artist, and nature is always my focus, whether that’s a flower, birds, insect or landscape.

Where the Wild Things Are is one of my favourite childhood works of writing and art linked to nature. Although it’s about imagined creatures, they capture the wonder we feel when looking at true nature, the wild things a representation of that feeling. Today I still love all art tied back to nature, particularly modern abstract art that focuses on feelings, as well as detailed accurate drawings and paintings – they both serve different purposes to me.

About the collection

Art in all its forms, to me, is about a feeling or capturing how each of our unique personalities see the world. Photography can help capture a fast moving bird, or zoom in for more detail to show people what they may otherwise miss. Painting and drawing helps convey our feelings and mood in ways photography can’t. As a writer, I love the written word and the experiences that conversation shares with whoever cares to read it.

I am delighted the RSPB is exploring the relationship between us and nature through art and creativity. Often the connection we feel to the natural world can only be explained via creative expression and art.

Too often art is focussed inward on humanity and I believe there is a much bigger role art and artists can do to raise the profile of biodiversity loss by looking outwards. Firstly by documenting that loss, capturing what is truly happening around the world as habitats vanish, ecosystem collapse because of insecticides, and species going extinct. Also by helping people to understand the natural world and how we are part of it. Finally by also showing what a future could look like if we act to protect nature, and if we don’t.

The great thing about art is that it not only reflects specific culture, it crosses cultural boundaries, helping us to better understand one another. It comes in all forms too, from songs and music, poetry and writing, to drawing, painting and photography. Art allows us to communicate in all manner of ways, to break through barriers that typical channels like politics cannot.

The only way to save wildlife is through collaboration. I am grateful Back from the Brink brings conservation organisations, landowners and farmers together in this way. It’s vital such initiatives are also international because conservation is a global issue, not just a local one, and time is running out.