Well it's been a few months since my last post. I haven't been painting much since February. I've been kind of taking a break. But I've started needle felting. It's a process of repeatedly poking a barbed needle into wool roving to make sculptures. Above is one of my creations. It is of Ndeze, the little gorilla whose mother and other family members were murdered last year on July 22. You can read my post about it earlier in this blog. My little feltie of Ndeze is up for auction on eBay now. I plan to give 20% from the sale to the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project. They have taken on the responsibility of raising her and hopefully releasing her back to her home.
I've also started a painting of Senkwekwe, the murdered silver back leader of the Rugendo family. Diddy recently posted a video of the Rugendo family in the Gorilla Protection blog. It was taken just a few days before the attack. Senkwekwe was watching over his family. That careful concern is the inspiration for this painting. I can imagine his spirit still looking after and protecting the remaing members of his band. I'm titling the painting "Watchful Eyes". Here's my initial sketch:
Close-up detail of "Mufabure-Killied without Reason"
(c) Robin J. Andreae 2007
It is now one week since I posted this painting and the war in the gorilla sector of Virunga Park still rages on. As promised, I will continue posting Mufabure's portrait until the rangers are allowed to go back into the park to protect and care for the gorillas.
In a recent Oxfam report the cost of the wars in Africa from 1990 on could have topped $300 billion dollars. That's approximately $18 billion dollars a year. These figures do not consider the uncalcuable damage to the environment and the wildlife. Animals are often caught in the crossfire. The park rangers are no longer able to do their jobs and poachers once again have free-reign of protected areas. Those figures also do not include the loss of income from the eco-tourism industry that could proliferate. In Rwanda and Uganda, tourists regularly pay $500.00 per person per day for a chance to view Mountain Gorillas. Even when war rages in the neighboring country, tourists leave.
The most commmon weapon, the AK-47, used in the wars that rage in Africa does not originate from there. The Oxfam report suggests this to help stem the flow of arms into Africa:
"Africa, as elsewhere, needs new international standards on arms transfers – a strong and effective Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). Such a treaty would not prevent the responsible transfer of weapons for defence, policing, peacekeeping, and other legitimate purposes, but it must prohibit arms transfers if they are likely to be used to: - Commit serious violations of international humanitarian law; - Commit serious violations of international human rights law; - Undermine sustainable development. Although the causes of armed violence are many and highly complex, and require a variety of actions to be taken, we believe that an ATT based on these principles would be one important tool in reducing armed violence in Africa. "
Please write your congresspeople, senators and presidential canidates. Please help spread the word.
Here are a couple of suggested letters from Christine C. , a regular poster on the gorilla protection blog. Please feel free to use them:
NOTE TO MEDIA OUTLETS:
I am not sure how much coverage XXX has previously devoted to the plight of the mountain gorillas in the DR Congo’s Virunga National Park, however, even if there has been some, it is a story that bears much repeating. Although I am sure you are no strangers to the problems in the DR Congo, you may be less familiar with its national treasure, Virunga National Park. Currently, there are a number of rangers (paid for by charitable donations through an organization called Wildlife Direct)that protect the mountain gorilla sectors — however, they have not been able to do their jobs because both rebels (General Nkunda) and the Congolese army have taken over those sectors. At this time we know they (army and rebels) are destroying the current ranger stations, ripping out their crops and have taken their supplies (weapons, radios, cell phones, etc…). We also know that they will not let the rangers in to check on the safety and welfare of the habituated gorilla families. Given that, over the past decade, 150 rangers have literally sacrificed their lives for the care of the park and its inhabitants; the ongoing strife in this corner of the world; and the very significant humanitarian issues involved here, I hope that much more attention will be brought to these issues in the near future. Thank you for considering this story. More information about this situation can be found at http://www.wildlifedirect.org./
NOTE TO POLITICAL CANDIDATES/LEADERS (NEEDS EDITING FOR PEOPLE ALREADY IN OFFICE):
Issues surrounding the instability and violence in the DR Congo seem to be non-existent in all of the current presidential campaigns. If elected, would XXX encourage the US to take a greater role in securing peace in that nation? It is clear that DR Congo represents a variety of important interests, everything from stopping genocide and encouraging true democracy, to protecting the environment, halting the extinction of a variety of animals (including mountain gorillas) and securing the safety of the people indigenous to that region. The US has been too quiet for too long about the human and environmental problems in Africa and the surrounding areas — it is time to take a stand and show the world what it really means to be a global leader.
"Mufabure-Killed without Reason” 10” x 10” x .75" Acrylics on Stretched Canvas
10/06/2007
This painting is a tribute to Mufabure. Her name in Swahili means killed without reason. She was named after her badly decomposed body was found by the rangers of Virunga Park. The rangers had arrested two men who were reported trying to sell two baby gorillas for $8,000.00 a piece. She was an infant, probably 3 to 4 years old. Her face was so badly decomposed that I had to paint this portrait from a composite of photos of young mountain gorillas and by looking at her bone structure.
It is unknown whether she was from one of the habituated families or if she was from a wild family. The rangers have not been able to go into the park to check. There is now fighting between the Rwandan rebels and the Congolese army. The only thing the rangers can do is wait. Meanwhile the poachers have free reign of the park. Just yesterday, 7 of the rangers who were able to track two of the families had to flee for their lives across the Ugandan border. There are now no rangers in the gorilla sector.
Director Norbert Mushenzi asked today in the Gorilla Protection blog for everyone to lobby their government to help end this horrible situation. I will be posting more on how you can do this tomorrow.
Just this year 10 mountain gorillas have been murdered. That's 10 out of a meager 700 mountain gorillas left worldwide. I will be posting this picture on this blog once a week until the rangers are allowed into the park to protect these majestic giants of the forests.
That's what we raised for WildlifeDirect Gorilla Protection thanks to all of you!
Inside cover for our upcoming book
Sorry for the late posting about our totals. But I've been busy revamping our website for future sales for WildlifeDirect, writing our art book (100% of the profits to WildlifeDirect), and setting up links to yet other venues you may purchase our art from. One of the venues will be this very blog. We wil have our work posted here for sale and you may purchase directly from the Aritst. The other venue is Art by Us. They take no fees from the artist. We'll be able to donate even more! Also you may have noticed that we have subsription box on the side bar of this blog. It's like the RSS feed you may already subscribe to. The main difference is that each new post will be sent directly to your email.
Please click here to view & bid on other works of art to help endangered mountain gorillas.
This small painting is a tribute Mburanumwe. Her charred body was found by the rangers of the DR Congo on July 23. She was soon to give birth when she was slain. It affected the rangers profoundly when they found her along 3 other members of her family, all shot execution style. When I learned of her death via Paulin Ngobobo's blog, Gorilla Protection. I couldn't stop from crying. I never new her or have ever seen a mountain gorilla. But I did know that I wanted to help these brave rangers protect the less than 700 mountain gorillas left in the world.
So I painted her portrait to raise awareness about the plight of this critically endangered species and funds for the rangers who risk their lives daily to protect them. In the painting, she is looking over her shoulder as if to give one last look. I hope that it will not be the last look for the mountain gorillas.
On September 8th, tommorrow, Art Helping Mountain Gorillas (WDGP) auctions go live! I can't wait to see what happens. My wish is that we raise awareness and lots of funds for the rangers who protect the less than 700 mountain gorillas left in the world. Please check the Gorilla Protection blog to receive updates on the gorillas and the rangers.
".......many (rangers) are now paid by a European Union-funded conservation group called WildlifeDirect, cofounded in January by Leakey. The group solicits funds from donors with the guarantee that 100 percent of the money goes straight to the rangers.” ~ Newsweek, August 2007
The artists from Art Helping Mountain Gorillas have pledged from 10 to 100% from the proceeds of their sales to WildlifeDirect to help those who protect these critically endangered animals.
The great apes and endangered species have become a passion for my artwork. With my small effort of representing them in my own style, perhaps everyone will be a bit more aware of their need for protection and preservation.
“If my work creates an emotional impact then I’ve truly accomplished more than just a piece of art.”
Yesterday, things have been turned upside down in DR Congo. As reported in the Gorilla protection blog by Diddy, Bilali's little son has been killed accidentally by some silverbacks fighting. And even worse, last night at 3 am (Congo time), Bikenge Patrol Post was attacked by rebels who both looted the Patrol Post and also disarmed Troop III of the Advance Force. At five in the morning, the camp of Patrol Post Jomba was then also surrounded by rebels, who have been stationed in the area of Runyoni and Chanzu for this last week. They attacked the camp taking 17 weapons, 5 handsets and 6 mobile phones.
The rangers are using what vehicles they have to try and evacuate the guards and their families from these two patrol posts, as well as from the Bukima Patrol Post, which is now very likely to also be a rebel target.
Unfortunately because of these circumstances, they are now unable to work in the Gorilla Sector.
The BBC reports that Laurent Nkunda has declared war on the DR Congo government: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6974362.stm
I hate to bring such horrible news. The rangers and the gorillas are in my prayers.
Please know that we are continuing with our auction as scheduled. After this war they will need our help more than ever. ~ Robin Andreae
The rangers of DR Congo daily put their lives on the line protecting endangered mountain gorillas. While in the line of duty, well over 120 rangers have been killed during the last 10 years. Just 3 days ago, one ranger was killed and a camp worker was critically injured.
One of the rangers many duties protecting the gorillas is removing traps like those shown above. With each patrol they find many of these traps, which are destroyed back at the main park station at Rumangabo These deadly traps kill and injure many types of wildlife.
Here's what we can do to help:
With our doantions we can provide the rangers with the tools neccessary to perform their duties.
"KUNGA, THE PEACEMAKER" (Silver-back Mountain Gorilla & Red-eyed Tree-frog)
Copyright Skye Ryan-Evans 2007
Kunga is a Rwandan name meaning "Peacemaker". The symbolism of this brand new digital painting, represents a Silver-back (mature) Mountain Gorilla befriending a Tree-Frog, thus showing that diverse species can co-exist in a friendly way. A rich African sunset over a Rwandan rainforest forms a moody backdrop. All that is needed for the nearly extinct Mountain Gorilla's survival is for Man to respect him and to cease waging war against this rare and precious species.
(Below)Two Close-up views of this print. (Available as both ACEO and 11 x 16 inch giclee prints.)
The plight of the few remaining Mountain Gorillas in African countries like Rwanda, the Congo and Uganda has this beautiful species precariously balancing on the brink of extinction. Poaching, War and human encroachment on Gorilla habitats via farming and village expansion have decimated the population of these powerful yet innoffensive creatures. Highly intelligent and social, they are not unlike humans in their community life. They feel pain, fear, joy and love just as we do. In our capacity as artists, the "Art for Critters" and "Art Helping Mountain Gorillas (WDGP)" groups on eBay, have dedicated our artwork to raising funds to go directly towards the protection of these incredible animals. Donations made from the sales of our work will aid the Rangers who provide a valuable protection against the activities of illegal poaching that is so common in these countries.
I finally finished this painting for the auction. It's a tribute to Senkewe, the silverback leader of the Rugendo family. He was one of the victims in the last attack on the gorillas. It's painted from a composite from several photos that I could find of this majestic leader. I only hope that it does him justice. It's kind of strange, I unintentially put what looks like a scar on his upper lip, like the one Crazy Horse has. They say Crazy Horse's spirit lives on in those who remember. He was the defefender of the Lakota people. ~ Robin J. Andreae
The Story: They met under the strangest of circumstances. It is not impossible. Gravy The Cat had never met an Elephant, even though he had heard from other cats what great and strong creatures they are. Being The King, Gravy felt it was important for him to meet all creatures. And so began his journey far and wide. Along the way, Gravy The Cat gave much thought to the stories he had heard about Elephants being trained by humans. Being a Cat, Gravy could not comprehend how anyone would allow himself to be trained. How then, could it be that someone so large and so strong as The Elephant would allow such a thing? This is a question that kept Gravy The Cat searching endlessly for The Elephant. Day after day he would set out in his search.
Because Gravy The Cat was relentless, and had only one thing on his mind, it is easy to understand how he was finally successful in finding The Elephant. The day was perfect. The sun shone on them as they sat for hours and talked as if they had known each other all their lives. They had A Bond. They were Friends. Now that they knew each other they both knew they would know each other Forever.
Gravy The Cat felt at ease with The Elephant and so he saw no harm in asking her what he longed to know, “Why would you allow yourself to be trained by a human?” The answer was really quite simple. The Elephant was actually the kindest animal in all the land. She allowed the human to train her because she knew how much the human wanted to think he could.
Gravy The Cat and The Elephant remained friends Forever and they shared many stories about life and the importance of liberty for all animals.
This amazing artwork and story, by artist Sandy Byers (biscuitgravy), is copyright protected and will be part of our eBay auction ~ September 8 -18, 2007 I thank her for her generousity and dedication. It truly amazes me to be in the company of these great artists with such heart! ~ Robin Andreae
Here it is not quite a week since our group formed and we now have 24 artists, a webpage, a blog and a flyer for promotions. William Deed of Wildlife direct has taken time out of his especially hectic schedule to post reference photos of the Rugendo family for our artists to use as reference. We also have few new pieces of art for the auction. I'm so impressed with the drive and enthusiasm of all of our members!
It really amazes me to think about the tremendous outpouring of support ever since PaulinNgobobo first posted about the horrible slayings. We have artists from as remote as the Mojave Desert of California to the continent of Australia. And we're still growing. If you would like to participate as an artist, please sign up here. Our eBay art auction is scheduled for September 8 - 18, 2007. You may donate anywhere from 10% to 100%.
Please check back regularly for updates on our artwork and the gorillas.~ Robin Andreae
Friday, August 10, 2007
This is a photo of Ndeze being fed by one of the rangers. She is one of the surviving members of Rugendo family of mountain gorillas. She was found being cared for by her brother after her mother, Safari, was murdered. This photo is very profound. It depicts hope and care. It shows the the care the rangers give. With our art we hope to help those who protect and care for the less than 700 mountain gorillas left in the world. Please join us by spreading the word or donating to Wildlife Direct or by bidding on our art.
We are a group of 32 artists and growing who have responded to the brutal slaying of 4 of the Rugendo family of Mountain Gorillas. We are donating a percentage from the sale of our artwork to Wildlife Direct. 100% of our donation minus the 2.5% for the credit card fee will go to help the rangers. In the last ten years over 150 Congo rangers have been killed. Many of them have not seen a paycheck in months. They are willing to lay down their lives for the gorillas. With our art we want to help these brave men.
