Amanda Ferras

Artist Details

Artist Name: Amanda Ferras

Artist Home Page: www.amandaferras-wildlifegallery.co.uk

Contact Amanda Ferras

View All Amanda Ferras Artwork

Biography

After graduating from the University of Kent with a First Class Hons degree in Illustration, I decided to gain practical experience in the industry and worked for a sculpting company, which created theatre sets and props for movie premiers, including building Thunder Bird 3 out of polystyrene! From here, I took a more conventional route and undertook a PGCE teacher training course at Canterbury Christ Church University and then taught Art & Design, along with Graphics & Photography, at Invicta Grammar School in Maidstone.

However, whilst working I continued to produce my own art work (undertaking private commissions) and develop my interest in photography. I gave up teaching in 2008 and now concentrate on art and photography full-time. This enables me to combine my two great passions: wildlife and travel. I have been very fortunate to travel to some fantastic locations to sketch and photograph all manner of wildlife in its natural environment. To date my source material has come from the world famous Masai Mara in Kenya (location of the Big Cat Dairy and where I have spent time photographing with Jonathan and Angela Scott); the plains of the Serengeti in Tanzania (famed for the wildebeest migration); the Okavango Delta in Botswana (the world's largest inland delta); South Luangwa National Park in Zambia (renowned for walking safaris); the Parc National des Volcans in Rwanda (home of the mountain gorilla and where the primatologist Dian Fossey studied) and a number of national parks in India including Bandhavgarh and Kanha to track the elusive and majestic Royal Bengal Tiger on elephant back! Closer to home I have spent time in the stunning Cairngorms National Park, Scotland, photographing the endangered red squirrel; the endearing crested tit and the elegant red deer.

An illustrator by profession I love to work in all types of media including oil, watercolour and charcoal. I specialise in wildlife and pet often using a technique that makes cats/big cats appear life-like by accentuating their fur. Equally at ease with portraits of people, preferring charcoal to get the best effect. A passionate photographer, who hopes that my art work will inspire you and at the very least enable me to share my experiences through my paintings and pictures.

Biography

2011 – Exhibitions: Wildlife Paintings and Photography in Local Galleries.
2008 – 2011: Independent Travel and Research
2005 – 2008: Secondary School(Grammar)Teacher of Art and Design & Graphics and Photography.
2004 – 2005: PGCE (Teacher Training) at Canterbury Christchurch University.
2004: Employed by Sculpting Company in Rochester, Kent.
2000 – 2003: Degree (First Class Hons): Visual Communication: Illustration at University of Kent. Exhibitions included KIAD, Maidstone and Brick Lane, London.
1999 – 2000: Foundation Studies BTEC National Diploma at Kent Institute of Art & Design (KIAD).
Born and educated in Kent.

Exhibitions

2012

September 1st - 9.30am ? 4.30pm - FREE ENTRY
St Michaels Village Hall, Grange Road, St Michaels, Tenterden, TN30 6DU

September 22nd & 23rd - 9.30am ? 4.30pm - FREE ENTRY
Smarden Village Hall, The Hop Pocket, Chessenden Lane, Smarden, TN27 8NF

September 30th - 9.30am ? 4.30pm - FREE ENTRY
Brabourne & Smeeth Village Hall, Lees Road, Brabourne Lees, Ashford, Kent TN25 6QB

October 6th & 7th - 10am ? 4.30pm - FREE ENTRY
Weald of Kent Golf Club and Business Centre, the Ridge Room, Maidstone Road, Headcorn, Kent TN27 9PT

October 20th & 21st - 9.30am ? 4.30pm - FREE ENTRY
Iron Room, Faversham Road, Boughton Aluph, Ashford, TN25 4HP

October 27th & 28th - 9.30am ? 4.30pm - FREE ENTRY
Appledore Village Hall, 76 The Street,Appledore, Ashford, Kent TN26 2AE

November 3rd & 4th - 9.30am ? 4.30pm - FREE ENTRY
Rolvenden Village Hall, Maythem Road, Rolvenden, Ashford, Kent TN17 4ND

November 17th - 9.30am ? 4.30pm - FREE ENTRY
Dunks Hall, Rye Road, Hawkhurst, Kent TN18 4JG

November 24th & 25th - 9.30am ? 4.30pm - FREE ENTRY
Woodchurch Memorial Hall, The Green Front Road Woodchurch Ashford, Kent TN26 3PF

December 1st & 2nd - 9.30am ? 4.30pm - FREE ENTRY
Biddenden Village Hall, Tenterden Road, Biddenden, Kent TN27 8BB

December 8th & 9th - 9.30am ? 4.30pm - FREE ENTRY
Highbury Hall, Highbury Lane, Tenterden, Kent TN30 6LE