Friday, May 25, 2012

Preview: Wild At Heart at Thinkspace this weekend


Thinkspace is proud to present “Wild at Heart: Keep Wildlife in the Wild,” an exhibition to raise awareness about the precarious predicament of wild creatures around the world, and to benefit efforts to protect them in their natural habitat. Featuring a stellar cast of more than 100 artists from all corners of the art world, this exhibition brings together some of the most profound and innovative voices making art today. PLUS a silent auction of donated rare prints from Mark Ryden, Marion Peck and Audrey Kawasaki with all proceeds going to support Born Free USA

Born Free USA is a national animal advocacy nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, contributions to which are tax-deductible. Our mission is to end the suffering of wild animals in captivity, rescue individual animals in need, protect wildlife — including highly endangered species — in their natural habitats, and encourage compassionate conservation globally.


Here's a preview of mine!


The piece is based on the California Condor. Almost exactly 25 years ago, when I was born, there were only 22 left in existence. Thanks to efforts such as the California Condor Conservation project, and the captive breeding programs led in San Diego and Los Angeles, there were almost 400 individuals in Nov. 2011. 
Through the artwork I hope to raise appreciation and awareness of their majesty and cultural significance, as well as the battles they face to survive, such as falling victim to lead poisoning from their prey. I've chosen to use a mix of lead pencil and metallic tinted greys, with the condors locked in a mythic struggle to convey these issues, hoping to evoke appreciation for the desperate desire to be born free.
 It's going to be an explosion of inspiration and creativity, I'm already inspired just thinking about it. Head down and show your support for a good cause! The Lineup is AMAZING!