‘’I have known Bruce for just over 15 years and can attest that he is a man of great passion and commitment to the natural world. His years as a ranger and guide in the Lowveld have helped to shape his passion for wild places and this coupled with his talent as an amateur photographer enable him to both capture movement and understand deeply the essence of wildlife. These combined skills have inspired the artist in him and has become a unique aspect of his magnificent sculptures. We are proud to have Bruce associated with our network of wilderness based foundations’’.

– Dr Andrew Muir, Wilderness Foundation Global CEO

AFRICA EXPRESSION

Bruce Little loves Africa. Born into a family with a great appreciation for both nature and the arts, Bruce spent his youth in the bushveld, where he developed an early love and respect for the African wilderness.

Twenty years of working in private game reserves like Londolozi and Singita have enabled Bruce to refine and perfect his skill, knowledge, and understanding of the bushveld. It is here, rather as an artist and photographer, that he first took his time seeking out the mystery and adventure of experience in nature, and transforming these experiences into majestic works of art.

These experiences in the South African bushveld have given Bruce an unparalleled and distinctive understanding of his sculptural subjects – and he continues to capture the enigma of the animals he has spent a lifetime observing and protecting. As his work demonstrates, Bruce is deeply aware of man’s growing pressure on the natural world.

Using his hands and traditional clay-shaping tools, and referencing his photographs and instinctual knowledge – Bruce works with modelling clay to flesh out the form of his subjects. Often starting out with a smaller version or ‘maquette’ – Bruce allows himself to explore the enigma of his subjects by revealing the musculature of the animal while capturing their power, agility, spirit and pride – choosing to define an impression of the animal’s character rather than an exact anatomical replica of it. Photography has always been a constant companion, and one of Bruce’s passions, and it is from his extensive portfolio that he draws inspiration.

Sculptures range from miniature elephant calves to life-size pointers and larger-than-life size lions – forming a broad collection of work that has been exhibited internationally over the past eleven years. Bruce’s work connects its viewers to both nature and the African continent.

For an unrivalled experience of the African bushveld these sculptures allow those who have visited the continent to return home with a piece of this remarkable and mysterious place. These magnificent bronze works embody the qualities of a true perfectionist loyal to his ethos of creating honest and sincere work, grounded in his love for nature, art and Africa. This exhibition is Bruce’s expression of his Africa.

–  Brendon Bell-Roberts, Editor, ART AFRICA magazine

PREVIOUS EXHIBITIONS

2003 – Johannesburg
2005 – Cork Street
2007 – Cork Street
2009 – Cork Street
2011 – Cork Street
2013 – Cork Street
2015 – Mall Galleries
2016 – Birdlife South Africa
2016 – Aynhoe Park
2017 – Mall Galleries