Diane D. Mason

Click images to see artist's work.

Diane Mason is a sculptor of wildlife and domestic animals. My art has envolved as a means of expressing my life-long fascination with ethology (animal behavior), and the joy that comes from sharing life with animals. I attempt to capture the vitality, personality, and wonder inherent in all living things. It is my hope that viewers of my work will not only enjoy the "show", but will also share in my appreciation of all creatures - and the joy of living.

Diane Mason's interest in art evolved long ago, as she attempted to "capture" the shapes, textures, and behaviors of her beloved pet chickens, ducks, etc. on paper, with pencil or paintbrush. This fascination continued into adult life as she majored in ethology (animal behavior) at Purdue University - illustrating research papers for both her major professor, and herself.

Scratchboard became my medium of choice in the 80's, as I taught classes, participated in major mid-western wildlife art shows, and was honored by several one-woman shows in galleries and in the Wichita Art Museum. In '92, a friend introduced me to sculpture - and I was hooked! Workshops with many well-known sculptors over the past several years, coupled with an intimate knowledge of anatomy and behavior, provided the groundwork for my current artistic passion. As always, animals continue to provide the inspiration for my work. Sculpture is almost magic; how else could I enjoy a Blue-footed Booby dancing in my living room?

In my sculpture, I attempt to combine a high degree of anatomical accuracy with an aesthetically pleasing composition. What is most important to me, however, is that my work convey my deep respect and appreciation for the subject. I frequently inject a touch of humor into my work, hoping to make the viewer smile - while at the same time conveying the message that the animals are not that different from us in many behavioral respects. The ethologies (behaviors) of animals have long been a source of fascination for me. I hope my work will inspire a similar interest in others.

Looking for garden sculptures? Diane's engaging birds and animals make perect companions!

Honors and Awards
Major shows in 2003 - Society of Animal Artists, National Sculpture Society, Loveland Sculpture in the Park, NatureWorks, International Exhibition on Animals in Art

2003 - The Leonard J. Meiselman Memorial Award for Representational Sculpture; Society of Animal Artists

2003 - The American Veterinary Medical Association Award; 16th International Exhibition on Animals in Art.

2003 - The Wayne B. Pomeroy Award, Sculptures In the Streets IV Exhibition, Mesa, AZ.

2002 - Charlotte Dunwiddie Memorial Award for Animal Sculpture, Pen & Brush Sculpture and Medallic Art Exhibition - New York, NY