ARTWORK DESCRIPTION:

Fascinated with wildlife and biodiversity, Neil has re-imagined Mesopotamian cuneiform tablets as moulds, employing the characters (negative voids) to cast positive triangular versions, re-assembled as animal representations on the cusp of segmenting. His sculptures aim to thematically parallel this early transformation of language from pictographs to an abstract alphabet as a reference to animals’ adaptive ‘super-powers’. Elephants have remarkable adaptive features, such as ‘Infra-sound’. A low frequency emitted below the limit of human hearing. An adaptation particularly, but not exclusively, used by elephants for long distance communication. ‘Infra-sound’ travels through solid ground over many kilometres, sensed by other herds through their feet.

ARTIST BIOGRAPHY:

Born in Wales, now based near Llandeilo, West Wales, Neil Mason displayed an early natural talent for modelling, gravitating to wildlife. However, pursuing a career in mental healthcare, serving both as a clinician and senior manager, it wasn’t until around 2009 that he felt compelled to sculpt. Subsequently, his sculptures attracted multiple awards including winning the sculpture category at DSWF Wildlife Artist of The Year, and he is an Honorary Fellow at The Wildlife Art Society International. His work can be found exhibited in Wales, England, Italy and Greece.