Six of Ten Most Endangered Species

I've written before about the heart-wrenching journey when I started drawing and researching Endangered Animals in 2013. It's not over. Yesterday I read this article 10 Animal Species That Could Vanish in 2015 if We Don’t Act NowThe animals listed are familiar to me. Not personally, as I have never had the honour of meeting a South China Tiger or any of the 10 species listed. Not even in a Zoo. I have only been to a zoo three times in my life: once to African Lion Safari when I was really young and left in tears at the sight of a baby Elephant who was crying as he entertained us by dragging big heavy chains and logs behind him, then to the Butterfly Conservatory in Niagara Falls/the Buffalo Zoo on the way to the Albright Knox, and lastly to the Toronto Zoo to draw with a friend. Thankfully, the latter visits were somewhat pleasant, creative and educational. I do not agree with exploiting any living creatures in zoos, captivity, experimentation, tourism or entertainment of any sort. My intuition whispers there are always compassionate, respectful and creative alternatives. Such as Cirque du Soleil invokes tears of joy and no animals are required - I love them for that!There is a lot I don't know. I can't separate the lies from the truth all the time, even though I make an effort to research and look at multiple sources. Lies sometimes run deep historically and culturally. When lies begin inside people's spirits, words on paper can be meaningless and may not reflect all people. Values can be skewed, reflecting the few instead of the many. In Canada, we had many protected lakes, wetlands and conservation parks and trails before 2012 when conservative laws were adjusted to ease industry regulations. All I know is that my voice is dedicated not only to the life here on earth that inspires and amazes me, it is to all spiritual beings and conservationists who are truly seeking solutions to create a world where all living creatures are safe, co-existing, sustainable and harmonious.

“Art is A Lie That Makes Us Realize the Truth” ~Pablo Picasso

Living as an artist in a world of smoke & mirrors and not having answers, I sometimes settle on the truth I see. I am not yet a visionary artist that can re-imagine the world. So what is real to me may simply be a photograph of an animal if the eyes are in focus ~ I can connect even if it's no comparison to looking the live creature in the eye. I suppose it's similar to watching a movie or a tv show, and feeling connected to an experience virtually, rather than personally. It's not the same, I know... but sometimes, it's all we have.I recognized 6 beautiful creatures from that article. My heart and breath is heavy as I feel a connection having spent hours studying each millimeter of their face as well as their history and current demise. These drawings are truth to me ... if these animals are truly soon to be gone forever and only a memory, they may be the only truth I ever have to appreciate their beauty and spirit as they are here with us right now. xo xo

Honey Bee

Since I started drawing Endangered Animals, there has been a decline. In the first few months of drawing and researching them, the Black Rhino was declared extinct. Not even a year later, and the news continues to reel in with desolate results. A report came out today : Honeybee Death Rate is Currently too High for Survival of the Species - See more at: http://livefreelivenatural.com/honeybee-death-rate-currently-high-survival-species-crucial-food/#sthash.tecvPGbj.dpufI will leave it to the scientists to share the importance and viability of the Honey Bee, but as an eco-warrior and artist who does research and keep account of the connection to our brilliant planet, I can tell you beyond needing these creatures that they are absolutely remarkable. .... not only regarding the jobs they naturally and selflessly fulfill, but in their every detail that I have studied at magnification. Such magnificence should be marvelled, respected and loved. At the time I included the Honey Bee into my Endangered Species series, I had a feeling they were too small, and too easily ignored, and I was worried from the beginning.Sad days are ahead folks ...the human condition is proving that we are capable of standing by and allowing such an important living creature to vanish. We are such a destructive species. We have a history of waiting until it is far too late.If it is any inspiration, I do think that many care about many creatures as small as the Honey Bee, and wish every day that we all came together to act, and not allow such heart sick situations to ever happen. Yet with Corporate corruption and deceit, our future seems pretty bleak. Instead of choosing to stop using poisons that we knew damn well were harmful to them - KILLING them - as of now, there will be a change greater than we ever could have imagined because bees are a very important species.  And we let them go.They say you never know what you had until it's gone. Truth is, we knew exactly what we had... we just thought we would never lose it, we took it for granted while we had it, combined with Corporations having control over the demise of our future for their current pocket book. And so perhaps we deserve whatever sad future will be without Honey Bees.

Burrowing Owl

Burrowing OwlPopulation - fewer than 1000 pairs estimated in CanadaCharcoal on Paper 9"x12" • Prints available hereThe burrowing owl, distinguished by its very long legs and short tail, is one of the smallest owl species. It gets its name from nesting in burrows dug by animals such as ground squirrels, badgers and prairie dogs. Burrowing owls are also known as “Howdy Owls” because of their habit of bobbing up and down in a bowing motion, a behaviour that likely allows them to determine distance from multiple viewpoints. Young owls in the nest make a rattling sound similar to rattlesnakes to ward off predators.Burrowing owls were historically found in the grasslands of central and southwestern Canada, central and southern United States and Mexico, and South America. In Canada, the burrowing owl has virtually disappeared from Manitoba and British Columbia. Throughout their remaining range, they exist in greatly diminished numbers in isolated fragments. Fewer than 1,000 pairs are thought to exist in Canada.

Extinct in the Wild

Sadly, the South China Tiger is considered by scientists to be “functionally extinct,” as it has not been sighted in the wild for more than 25 years.  With perhaps only 100 existing in captivity, they are one of the world's 10 most endangered animals and the most endangered of the six surviving tiger subspecies, their fate primarily due to to habitat loss. Our legacy is one of economy, development and dominion above all, rather than one of respect and appreciation for the land we are apart of. But I believe a collective evolution and rise in consciousness is happening everywhere, and in greater numbers than most would like to admit. Take a look into this creature's eyes ... think about, what matters most? what do you truly want? where shall we all go from here?

Black Rhino

Black Rhino (charcoal drawing on paper). Listed as 'Critically Endangered' when I created this work early 2013 (the population 4,848 at the time) - is now officially EXTINCT. So long and thanks for...all the poaching & death #rhino

Sumatran Elephant

Sumatran Elephant • 9”x12” charcoal on paperThe Sumatran Elephant lists a total population of 2,400 – 2,800Once common throughout Africa and Asia, elephant numbers have been severely depleted during the 20th century, largely due to the massive ivory trade. Poaching, conflict and habitat destruction continue to threaten this magnificent species. Truly shameful.

HOW CAN I HELP?

• One of the easiest ways we can all help is to refuse to buy and denounce ivory products, share awareness of this genocide and looming extinction, as well use and support sustainable wood, paper and palm oil.

• CALL TO ARTISTS - Artists interested raising awareness and creating works that honour, educate and support a global change in mentality and preservation of this majestic creature, are not alone.International Artists! Beginning January 15th 2013, any artists interested in art-activism focused on the survival of the Elephant, and contributing one work of art to build an online collective of prints for sale (profits supporting one or more conservation initiatives to be discussed) should send inquiry to: < sharlenawood@gmail.com >. Current artists in support of 'IVORY IS FOR ELEPHANTS' collaboration are Kelli Coulson and Sharlena Wood