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.

Hila

The source of inspiration for the Aquatic Arctic Beasties

Old newspapers are quite useful when you are an artist. To be honest it is not very often that I read them, unless something of interest leaps out at me. I had spread out some old paper on my working surface and this is the article I discovered that piqued my interest.

Some words and phrases in Inuktun

Languages are something that I am fascinated by, especially how poetic ones other than English can be. The notion that 'consciousness' has the the same word as that used for weather is one that appeals to me.

Beluga Whale (its actually a dolphin)

I had the aquatic arctic beasties completed for a couple of weeks when I was thrilled to see them on Frozen Planet , the latest series to be presented by Sir David Attenborough. It is a must see is you have an interest in animals, dramatic landscapes and the environment. 

Narwhal

When I first heard of narwhals, I honestly thought they were a creature of myth, rather like the unicorn. As you can see they are as real as you and I. Trying to find images of them to paint was actually quite tricky, but I was stoked when I discovered this one.

Both have fascinated zoologists for many years and here is a gorgeous old illustration that I came across that I loved. Unfortunately I am not so great at documenting where I source images (my bad), but this one was too good not to share.

If you would like to see the completed water-colour illustrations they can be viewed on ellaQuaint on Felt

or ellaCute on etsy