“Now more than ever, we need to expand the message about the vital
importance of the world’s natural places and utilize the forceful role that
artists can leverage in the efforts to conserve them. Through my artwork, I
hope to move, reveal and inspire people to seek a deeper understanding of the
world around us and bring together groups of individuals to unite on a common
ground. Our natural world is severely threatened and with this increased
pressure, a new paradigm must emerge...artists, conservationists, sportsmen and
environmentalists must come together in areas of overlapping interests."
– John Banovich
John Banovich (b.1964) is an
American contemporary oil painter known internationally for his large, dramatic
portrayals of iconic wildlife. Today, Banovich’s work is admired and collected
globally by prominent politicians, entertainers, business leaders and art
collectors. His work can be found in private collections, corporate offices and
museums throughout the world.
Born in Butte, Montana, Banovich
emerged as a talent to watch over two decades ago when his paintings were
selected as, “Best of Show” for two consecutive years at the Pacific Rim Art
Expo, then as the premier showcase for wildlife art in the world. Since then,
Banovich’s work has appeared in many prestigious venues, including The National
Wildlife Art museum, The Wildlife Experience Art Museum, Museum of the
Southwest, The Natural History Museum, The Hiram Blauvelt Art Museum, The Leigh
Yawkey Woodson Art Museum’s Birds in Art show, The Salmagundi Club, traveling
exhibitions sponsored by the Society of Animal Artists and showcases hosted by
Safari Club International and Dallas Safari Club in addition to international
venues including; Nature in Art Center in Gloucester England and the Cultural
Center in Arusha Tanzania. In the press Banovich’s work has been showcased on
NBC’s Entertainment Tonight, The Outdoor Channel, Versus, PBS and most recently
NBC has written about his dedication to his conservation work and named him an
NBC Cause Celebrity.
Throughout Banovich’s professional
career he has become a highly sought after & collectable artist. A
selection of his finest artworks are featured in an elegant Award winning
coffee-table book, “BEAST: The Collected Works of John Banovich.” The year
BEAST was released (2009) it landed a spot on the Barnes And Noble Best Seller
List. A book signing at The Grove in L.A. was the highest grossing sales event
to date at the number one Barnes and Noble Store in the United States. Currently
sold out at the publisher, today this $69.95 book has become a collectable with
copies selling for $1,300.00 to $3,900.00 on Amazon.com.
Besides achieving uncommon
popularity among collectors seeking originals and giclée canvas reproductions
offered in limited edition, Banovich has tried to be a wildlife art ambassador
by using his paintings to raise awareness about imperilled species. He
attracted global attention for his unprecedented 10 X 10-foot square,
life-sized painting of an African elephant, titled, “Once Upon A Time,”
completed with the intent to help draw attention to the growing plague of ivory
poaching.
Under the umbrella of the Banovich
Wildscapes Foundation, money generated through artwork sales has been
channelled back to support grassroots conservation efforts that promote habitat
protection, science-based wildlife management and sustainable tourism. Over the
years, the foundation and its partners have raised millions of dollars,
co-founded two initiatives and works on 11 projects in seven countries.
"His art has a bigger-than-life
feel to it that makes it awe inspiring.”
-Paul Tudor Jones, Tudor Investments
"John has the special ability
to capture and share his passion and love for Africa through wildlife painting.
The connection to each piece, along with his dedication to the protection and
preservation of the wildlife and environment is truly spectacular. He is a true
advocate for the protection and preservation of African wildlife and land, John
Banovich, brings the beauty of Africa to enthusiasts worldwide through his
exceptional pieces of wildlife art. I wouldn’t have wanted to be shown Africa
by anyone besides John. Having the opportunity to see the land and wildlife
with my family by someone so passionate was a once-in-a-lifetime experience
that I plan on doing every year. To have a painting of the experience makes the
memory even more unforgettable."
-Mike Meldman, Founder and CEO, Discovery Land Co.
"John Banovich not only
possesses the vision to capture nature on canvas with unmatched insight and
skill, he also extends that vision to saving the wild places that mean so much
to all of us. He is an unrivalled artist and conservationist and a gift to
those who marvel at the man and his art."
-Chris Dorsey, CEO and President, Orion Entertainment
“The painting just reminds me so
much of the real thing. It’s the details that count: the wrinkles on the tusk
and brow, the clouds of dust rising from the massive feet, the birds scampering
to avoid the charge. That’s like the real thing that you would see in
Africa.” -Richard Childress,
President/CEO of Richard Childress Racing
“John Banovich has raised the bar
for excellence in wildlife art. His work is among the best in the world. When
you read his story, it gives you a deeper respect for the man behind the art
and enhances an already unparalleled visual experience.” -Dick and Mary Cabela, Founders, Cabela’s –
World’s Foremost Outfitter
“John Banovich has a passion for
animals that has driven him beyond most others; his artwork transcends his love
and respect for wildlife. In keeping with his commitment to the animal world,
he has used his talents to team with many conservation projects around the
world through his organization, the Banovich Wildscapes Foundation” -Jack Hanna, Director Emeritus, Columbus Zoo,
TV Host
“It’s perfect. I have always had a
vision of what a Banovich painting would look like in this space and he
executed it perfectly. We wanted to create something experiential for the
Yellowstone Club, and he nailed it.”
-Sam Byrne, CrossHarbor Capital, Co-founder
“As a long-time fan and friend of
John Banovich, it was a thrill walking into the Warren Miller Lodge [at the
Yellowstone
Club] to see after all these years
there was finally balance and perfection. The painting sets the tone for the
whole club perfectly; better than we could even have imagined. It brought tears
to my eyes.” – Mary Hart, Host of
Entertainment Tonight
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