Andrew Haslen, of Lavenham, a member of the Society of Wildlife Artists, speaks of how his Parkinson’s diagnosis has enhanced his craft

A renowned wildlife artist who will soon be exhibiting in London has spoken of how his Parkinson’s diagnosis has enhanced his craft.

Andrew Haslen, of Lavenham, was diagnosed with the disease in 2014.

Elected as a member of the Society of Wildlife Artists in 1988, his work is well renowned among his peers, recognised for their bold brush strokes in vivid colours.

And while, on the face of it, a Parkinson’s diagnosis may have hindered Mr Haslen’s career, instead it has progressed it. He has approached the diagnosis as a challenge to adapt and change as an artist, rather than a factor that may have restricted him.

Parkinson’s has impacted Mr Haslen’s hand movements, so he has turned to sculpting. The tactile nature of working with clay has facilitated the transfer of his knowledge of form and movement into bold and vibrant sculptures.

Mr Haslen said: “One of the medications I need to take, which helps control my fine motor skills, causes compulsive behaviour.

“When it comes to my work, this means that I feel driven to complete pieces in an almost obsessive way and, as a result, I am producing more work than ever.

“It’s my best work yet. I have no plans to stop anytime soon.”

Some of Mr Haslen’s recent creations include sculptures of hares, otters and an octopus, capturing the animal’s innate features and movements within the clay models.

By working with the material and casting in bronze, once a sculpture is finished it gives him the chance to reproduce limited editions.

Mr Haslen understands his creating time may be finite. His work offers him a guarantee sculptures can be made even if he is no longer able to physically.

‘The Natural Eye 2024’, an exhibition by the Society of Wildlife Artists, starts on October 17 at the Mall Galleries, in central London.

The event will run until October 27, and will be open from 10am to 5pm each day, with the exception of the final day which will finish at 1pm.