TWO talented One Year graduates at The Sculpture School at Bondleigh near North Tawton, Lucy D’Auvergne and Steve Parsons, have been shortlisted for the highly prestigious David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year 2025.

As finalists, both Lucy and Steve will have their sculptures exhibited at The Mall Galleries in London this September, shining a spotlight on the skills - and their passion for wildlife - that they honed at The Sculpture School.

Founded by the celebrated wildlife artist, David Shepherd CBE, Wildlife Art of the Year is now recognised as the world’s premier wildlife art competition, effectively the “Oscars” of wildlife art, attracting thousands of artists each year from across the world, all inspired by nature and driven to protect it.

It is a tremendous honour for Lucy and Steve to have their work recognised on this international stage.

Lucy (www.lucydauvergne.com) is an award-winning sculptor, exploring form, energy and movement, capturing the spirit of mammals in motion.

Steve (www.steveparsonsdesign.co.uk) is renowned for taking the natural beauty of birds and animals and encapsulating them into sinuous 3D forms.

Both artists attribute their refined technique and creative confidence to The Sculpture School’s intensive One Year Programme, where they mastered sculpture skills taught by world renowned sculptor, Andrew Sinclair MRSS.

“Studying at The Sculpture School was a game‑changer for my work,” notes Lucy. “The facilities, the expert guidance - and the camaraderie - pushed me to develop a voice and my unique vision in ways that I never thought possible.”

Steve Parsons concurs: “The course gave me the technical foundation I needed and the encouragement to pursue sculpture professionally, it was definitely a turning point in my creative journey.”

“We couldn’t be prouder of Lucy and Steve,” says master sculptor and tutor, Andrew Sinclair MRSS. “Their success demonstrates the transformative power of focused practice and dedicated mentorship.”