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

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.

Power of Love

“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”

~ Jimi Hendrix

Feature Artist Kelli Coulson • CALL TO ARTISTS for 'Ivory is for Elephants'

Oil on board - 24" x 48Artist Kelli Coulson

"I am very passionate about the idea that ivory is for Elephants. I have never understood how humans could kill such a majestic creature, all to make useless trinkets that have no purpose. The ivory of an Elephant is rightfully theirs - is it part of their majestic, living being.

The title of the piece is what inspired the image. An elephant - threatening, defiant, tenacious and wise...his eyes a window to all living souls -  feel his strength!

The symbol in the background is of the African Symbol Tabono. It represents strength and perseverance. I surrounded the elephant in this symbol as protection."~Kelli Coulson

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• CALL TO ARTISTS • IVORY IS FOR ELEPHANTS •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.Illegal poaching continues despite the declining population, endangered status, and protection from conservation...yet is it only possibly to be controlled, or is there a powerful consciousness rising that can re-write old mindsets and ways? Are artists a catalyst in raising not only awareness, but inspiring a shift in consciousness and enlightenment? Consumer demand, mystical beliefs, and poverty have perpetuated this tragedy ... but we believe it to be possible, to bring hope not only to Elephants, but to our own species - that beyond our struggles and desires, we are capable of choosing to nurture the love, empathy, respect and appreciation within. Let us return to our creative and caring hearts - remarkable, strong, inspiring, and warm - to lighting the dark, corrupt and cold. The world is changing from within - We are ONE ❤ 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

Remember Love

Charcoal on Watercolour Paper 10"x15"My first piece for 'Ivory is for Elephants'

• CALL TO ARTISTS • IVORY IS FOR ELEPHANTS •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

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