Snow Beasts

image from Advocacy Britannica

There is something rather amazing about animals that have evolved to survive some of the most extreme conditions on the planet. The Arctic and other similar environments have influenced the evolution of such creatures as polar bears, arctic wolves and snow leopards. Like many folk who are aware of the increasing issues associated with global warming, how these stunning creatures will continue to survive in altered climates is a something that is of concern to me.

image fromThe Guardian

Sir David Attenborough is one of my biggest heroes and I have so loved watching the programme Frozen Planet that was screened earlier on in the year. Like many of his documentaries, it has been the source of inspiration for my latest series; 'Snow Beasts.'

'Polar Bear' 2013

This series was attempting to explore notions around how animals who are dependant on arctic conditions could potentially survived in an environment where the temperature has increases. Already places are having issues with wild animals hunting / foraging closer to inhabited areas, due to habitat loss. Animals who are domesticated face a greater chance of survival.

Peruvian Llamas

Peruvian llamas as pictured here are marked with coloured tassels on their ears to note their bloodlines and ownership. This inspired me to experiment with similar adornments on wild animals who live in cooler climes.

'Snow Leopared' and 'Arctic Wolf'  the initial idea

This was my initial idea, but while painting them, I started thinking that conceptually it was a great idea, actually having these amazing wild beasts with their ears pierced like cattle made me cringe. Also there was that 80's association . . .

I was not about to add war paint.

So in the end I edited out the ear tassels and I am very pleased with the results. It still alludes the ideas that I was exploring without being lost to 80's pop music references.

'Snow Leopard' 2013

'Arctic Wolf'' 2013

The limited edition giclee prints of these, both in A3 and A4 format will be available for purchase at the Auckland Art and Craft Fair. It is this Saturday the 29th of June at the Edge in the Aotea Centre.

If you can't get there, they will eventually be available too.

celebrating and shaming . . .

We all love our pets regardless of the rotten deeds they might sometimes perform. One of my favourite places online for a giggle is Dog Shaming . . . here is one delightful miscreant below.

'Is it cold in here or is it just Zoey?'

Another site to make you snigger is My Cat is a Dick. Sometimes a picture really is worth a thousand words.

I hate to think what this furry fiend was plotting.

Because my own feline at times lives up to her name, I decided to share her latest shining moments with you. 

Normally she is not this appallingly behaved, but just going through an adjustment period . . . I hope!

Now that you have seen a few examples, I am sure you can think of some misdeeds that your furry pal has done. Either that or you might have a hilarious photo that doesn't need a caption at all.

You mission  . . .

Is to email me a photo of your favourite beastie, either caught in the act or with a description of it's trick placed next to it.
It must be your own photo or one that is taken by family member or friend.
Entrants must be one of the fabulous folk who is a liker of the ellaquaint facebook pg.
Only one entry per pet.
I will then post the picture on my facebook pg over the next week and a bit of the school holidays. The photo with the most number of likes WINS.
The competition closes Sunday the 5th of May at 8.00pm. The winner will be announced at 8.30pm.

Up for grabs is two archivally sound giclee prints worth $70.00. They have been professionally printed on William Turner paper. The winner gets to select them from the ellaquaint range on Felt :)

email entries to ellaquaint@gmail.com

Thank you you darhlinks! x