World Rhino Day 2014

Today is World Rhino Day!!! 

Black Rhinos, White Rhinos, Javan Rhinos, Sumatran and Greater One-Horned! #TeamRhino !!!

Until he extends the circle of his compassion to all living things,

man will not himself find peace.

~Albert Schweitzer 

Black Rhino Icon

Oil on wood panel, with metal leafing

Any glimpse into the life of an animal

quickens our own and makes it so much the larger 

and better in every way.

~John Muir

If Rhino poaching continues at the current rate, they will be gone in the wild within our lifetime. People buy the horns for a range of supposed medicinal purposes but the horn has been proven to have no medicinal value whatsoever. 

Here is a video by World Wildlife Fund about the critically endangered species of Borneo: The Sumatran Rhinos. There are estimated 40 left in Borneo. This species has been around for 25 million years, and ... well, you can watch the video.

The animals of the planet are in desperate peril.

Without free animal life

I believe we will lose the spiritual equivalent of oxygen.

~Alice Walker

For more informations on Rhinos and how you can help, visit the Rhino page of World Wildlife Fund here.

Until one has loved an animal, 

a part of one's soul remains unawakened.

~Anatole

Thank you!

Blessings and light!

Endangered Species

These works are the beginning of what will become part of a larger collection of endangered species. Unfortunately there are a lot to choose from in the animal kingdom as well as the plant world. The idea behind them has to do with seeing them as something holy and worth seeing or elevating to the level of icons. The "patterns" or "designs" are all related to the country or area of origin of the animal. They represent the human element and how we are connected to these creatures and ultimately responsible for the final outcome of their existence. These are all oil on wood panels.

Siberian Tiger

Echo Parakeet~ Mauritius

Endangered Orchids

Endangered Slipper Orchid

When they are in nature, people sense intuitively that the other kingdoms are living in harmony with universal law. In such an environment, it's easier for the heart to open, to become softer and live in tune with the earth.

~Wabun, Sun Bear's medicine helper