4th December - 8th December 2024 Gallery@oxo, Barge House Street, London, UK View the 50 shortlised artworks and the winning pieces from this year's British Art Prize. The British Art Prize is a prestigious open art competition run by Artists and Illustrators...

Symbolism and Meaning in Animal Art
Symbolism and Meaning in Animal Art
Animal art is more than a visual delight, it’s a powerful way to tell stories, convey emotions, and connect with the natural world. For centuries, artists have turned to animals not only for their beauty, but for their deeper symbolism. In contemporary animal artwork, this tradition continues to thrive, often with a modern twist.
North Yorkshire artist Vicki Davidson creates striking animal art that celebrates both form and meaning. Her work captures the unique energy of each creature she paints, inviting the viewer to reflect on what these animals represent in our culture, homes, and hearts.
Stags: Strength, Majesty, and Renewal
Often referred to as the “king of the forest,” the stag has long symbolised strength, dignity, and spiritual renewal. With its towering antlers and elegant stance, the stag has been a revered figure in folklore, mythology, and heraldry across Europe.
In animal art, stags often represent leadership, resilience, and a connection to nature’s cycles, especially as they shed and regrow their antlers each year. Vicki Davidson’s stag paintings bring this majestic animal to life with rich textures and expressive mark-making, offering a bold yet calming presence that fits beautifully into rustic, woodland-inspired, or modern rural homes.
Hares: Speed, Fertility, and Lunar Mystery
With their quick movements and elusive nature, hares have long been symbols of agility, transformation, and intuition. In Celtic mythology, hares were considered sacred and connected to the moon, fertility, and rebirth. Their presence in art often suggests a connection to the mystical or unseen world.
Vicki’s hare pieces often capture the intense gaze and kinetic energy of this animal, reflecting both its physical vitality and deeper symbolism. A hare in your space brings not only dynamic movement but a sense of wonder, curiosity, and change, perfect for rooms that invite creativity or quiet reflection.

Birds: Freedom, Spirit, and Perspective
Birds have universal appeal in animal art. From songbirds to birds of prey, they symbolise freedom, perspective, and the ability to rise above earthly concerns. Their ability to move between sky and land has led many cultures to associate them with spiritual messages or transitions.
Vicki Davidson’s bird art, especially her delicate bird drawings, showcases not only the beauty of feathers and form but also a sense of stillness and clarity. Birds can add a peaceful, uplifting energy to interiors, and they work wonderfully in serene spaces such as bedrooms, hallways, or reading nooks. A single bird print can suggest lightness and quiet joy, while a flock may represent family or community.

Foxes: Cunning, Adaptability, and Wild Charm
Foxes are some of the most charismatic animals in both nature and art. Known for their intelligence, resourcefulness, and mysterious allure, foxes represent cleverness and adaptability. In folklore, they’re often portrayed as tricksters, mischievous but always one step ahead.
Vicki’s fox paintings often highlight their alert expressions and expressive eyes, giving them real personality. A fox print or original artwork can bring a sense of wit and warmth into your space. Their rich colour palette, rusty reds, soft greys, and glowing oranges, also adds vibrancy and visual interest, especially when paired with muted or earthy décor.
Cows: Gentleness, Abundance, and Rural Roots
Cows may not be the most exotic subject in animal art, but they are among the most beloved. Symbolising nurture, fertility, and groundedness, cows represent home, abundance, and the pastoral lifestyle. In Hindu culture, they are revered as sacred symbols of life and motherhood.
Vicki Davidson’s cow paintings blend realism with charm, capturing their soulful eyes, soft expressions, and peaceful nature. These artworks are ideal for creating a cosy, comforting atmosphere in kitchens, living spaces, or country-style interiors. A cow portrait adds a sense of calm and connection to the land, perfect for those who want to bring a touch of farm life indoors.

Fish: Flow, Intuition, and Tranquillity
Fish are ancient symbols of abundance, adaptability, and emotional depth. In many cultures, they are associated with the subconscious, the element of water, and spiritual flow. Their quiet, gliding movements evoke a sense of peace and reflection.
Vicki’s fish artworks explore the patterns and movement of this creature in fresh, contemporary ways. Whether it’s a solitary fish or a flowing group, these pieces invite calm, balance, and introspection. Ideal for bathrooms, studies, or spaces designed for relaxation, fish artwork brings a quiet energy that gently anchors a room.
Finding Meaning in the Animals Around Us
Animal art continues to thrive because it speaks to us on both aesthetic and emotional levels. Whether bold or delicate, realistic or stylised, these images invite us to explore what animals mean to us personally, and how we want our homes to feel.
In Vicki Davidson’s animal artwork, each piece tells a story. It’s not just about the animal’s form, but its spirit. Whether you’re drawn to the strength of a stag, the quiet insight of a bird, or the grounded peace of a cow, there’s something deeply resonant about choosing art that reflects not just your style, but your story.
Explore the full animal art collection and discover the symbolism that speaks to you. Whether you’re curating a gallery wall or adding a single thoughtful piece, these animals bring more than decoration. They bring depth, personality, and meaning. Explore art prints and original pieces to elevate your home.