ARTIST STATMENT
As a fine art horse photographer, one of the most beautiful sights in the world to me is a horse running without restraint. Undoubtedly, the power of this wild, emotive abandonment is why horses inspire my love for photography and fuel my continued creative journey. Horses stir many emotions within us, they are the embodiment of freedom, beauty, and spirit. They are the embodiment of freedom and spirit.
I care deeply about our natural world and the environments in which wild and rare horses inhabit. I believe that art connects on an emotional level can have the power to spark change within and inspire people to look beyond themselves, capturing the beauty and vulnerability of native equine rare breeds & wild horses in the natural world, and helping raise awareness of their fragility through photography is the inspiration behind my work.
In Eastern spiritual traditions, they say that there’s a Windhorse who exudes powerful positive energy that has the capacity to influence outcomes, people, and society.
They believe that horses inspire us to have faith and believe in positive outcomes within our lives. I find this truly inspiring and I’d love to think that the artwork I make has a little of this spirit and belief running through the very core of all my artwork as each and every horse I’m lucky enough to share a moment with and photograph is very special to me. They deserve their moment to shine and share their beauty, light, and essence, elementally encapsulated within one of my prints for everyone who seeks their own personal Windhorse.”
BIOGRAPHY
Based in the rural Pennines, Esther is an award-winning photographer and encaustic photography artist. Photographing horses is a way of life for Esther over most of her career, she has dedicated her time to photographing horses and other animals. Esther’s considered approach toward her subjects and artwork allows her empathy and understanding of horses to shine through.
Esther went to Swansea University, studying sculpture, painting, and photography culminating in her mixed media photo-encaustic work. Prior to becoming a self-employed artist, she worked as a Forensic Photographer at Greater Manchester Police and later at the UK Forensic Scientific Service. A role which often sees the darker side of humanity, Esther soon returned to the peace of being amongst horses in their natural world.
Her work exclusively uses archival fine art papers, printed by hand and professionally crafted. Her limited-edition photography prints are available to purchase directly, in exhibitions or via her online print shop. Esther also enjoys helping and supporting people of all ages on their photographic journey by creating workshops centered around horses.
Esther’s photography is renowned for capturing the heart, soul, and beauty of all horses from domesticated to wild. This has also extended into animal advocacy, working alongside animal charities such as ACE, HAPPA, and the RSPCA. Esther is proud to have created artwork raising awareness of animal welfare issues. Esther is also a proud associate member of Ebor Studio/Gallery and Paard Verzameld
Awards & Exhibitions
2016 – British Institute of professional photography(BIPP) awarded – Licentiateship Qualified Member.
2019 – BIPP Award (Merit)
2019- BIPP Regional Wildlife Photographer North West.
2021 – Best Equine Photographer UK – SME Global Award
2021 -BIPP Wild Life Photographer of the Year – North West & North East
2022 – Refocus Awards – Equine (wildlife) photography Nominee
Exhibitions:
2023 – July – Northlight Gallery Hebden Bridge – Open Call exhibition – Creative Response to climate change.
2023- 26th September to 17th October -Open Gallery Halifax – Air, Water, Earth & Fire Art Exhibition ( Open Call)
2024 - 17th February - Ebor Studio & Gallery Littleborough Lancashire - Group Postcard Art Exhibition.
2024 -22nd February - 1st March -Adventure Into the Wild - International virtual art group exhibition
2024 -5th to 30th March- Women in Photography Exhibition at The Glasgow Gallery of Photography - Group exhibition
2024 - 2nd August - 23rd August Abstraction juried exhibition - PhotoPlace Gallery3 Park StreetMiddlebury VT05753Vermont
2024 - 3rd August - 14th September - Analogue Digital exhibition - The Glasgow Gallery of Photography
2024 - 14th December - 10th January 2025 - Wild Hearts Solo Exhibition - Ebor Studios -Frank GalleryWilliam St, Littleborough Lancashire OL15 8JP
Media
Lancashire Life
Your Horse
Style Reins
Equestrian Life
Rare Breed Survival Trust