AN artist from West Devon has had two of her submissions for the 2011 Wildlife Artist of the Year receive 'Highly Commended' awards from the judges.

Sculptor Nick Mackman from Bratton Clovelly had two of her pieces displayed as part of a 150-strong exhibition shortlist at the prestigious Mall Galleries in London.

In an extremely strong field, Nick was delighted with the accolades for 'Fossa' and 'Self Conscious', two expressive and tactile sculptures.

The recognition follows her success in the 2010 competition, where she won the open category.

Nick creates one-off ceramic animal sculptures. Her work has been widely exhibited and features in a number of important private collections.

Nick said: 'It was a really good evening. The exhibition was absolutely stunning, and the quality of work gets stronger year after year.

'I had a quick chat with David Shepherd, whose charity puts on the event. Last year he bought one of my sculptures, a warthog. When I asked him about it he said, "Oh Tina!" We had a good chuckle about that, and when I asked why he had called her Tina, he had a wry smile and said "After Tina Turner, of course! It's the hair!"

'Apparently, Tina sits in his entrance hall, surrounded by ferns so she can have a good habitat, and people pat her head as they come in. Good to know she's being looked after!'

The Wildlife Artist of the Year competition is hosted by wildlife conservation charity, the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, and attracts hundreds of entries from around the globe.

Two categories have been added to the 2012 competition to encourage younger artists and those who paint local landscapes and wildlife. Entries are now being accepted.

For more details and to view works from the exhibition visit http://www.davidshepherd.org">www.davidshepherd.org

A successful solo show of Nick's work at the Beaux Arts Gallery in Bath ended on June 12, where the artist sold much of the work on display.

The exhibition included a significant body of new work, including elephants, lions and warthogs.

Nick will be exhibiting work in the Society of Wildlife Artists exhibition in October, which will also take place in the Mall Galleries.

To see more of Nick's work, visit her website http://www.clayanimalsculptures.co.uk">www.clayanimalsculptures.co.uk