One Year Since the Murders

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.

Here's the link to my feltie Ndeze's auction:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200241416567



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:

11" x 14"

"Freedom" by R. J. Andreae

"Freedom" by Robin J. Andreae (c) 2006

10" x 10" x 1.75"

Acrylics on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

$125.00 shipping included

75% Donation to WildlifeDirect Gorilla Protection

Please email the artist to purchase this painting.

This is a painting of a red tail hawk that I used to care for. Davis was 29 years old when she passed away. She had been in captivity for nearly her whole life. She was stolen from her nest as a hatchling and fed on a diet of hot dogs and hamburgers. Consequently, she developed ricketts and was unable to fend for herself in the wild. Fish and Game conficscated her from the man who had stolen her from the nest and gave her to the bird rescue where I volunteered. She was kept as a resident raptor as an eductional bird. She was a wonderful ambassador for her kind. The one thing in all those years that she longed for was freedom. I can't help but think of her when I see a red tail hawk soaring high in the clouds.

~ Robin J. Andreae.

Thank You!

$2180.07 !

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.

Mburanumwe - one last look

"Mburanumwe”
6” x 4” x .75"
Acrylics on Stretched Canvas
© R.J.Andreae 2007

Beginning bid $19.95

50% to Wildlife Direct

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.

The artwork is acrylics on stretched canvas (staples on the sides). It measures 6" x 4" x .75". It is signed and dated on the back . It is sold unframed. The painting comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. Please feel free to email me with any questions that you may have. All artwork is copyright protected and may not be copied or reproduced in any way. © R.J.Andreae 2007.

Our Auction Goes Live Tommorrow!

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.

~ Robin Andreae (artbyrjandreae)

Art Helping Gorillas--A Work in Progress

One more day till the Art Helping Mountain Gorillas Charity Auction goes live! Excitement is running high. Specifically with me, as I just returned from a business trip. There's a bunch to do!

However, I took my art along with me; so here's a look at what I was able to accomplish in my down time on the trip:

 

This will be the next installment in a series of hidden picture fairy tale art I have been doing. For the Art Helping Mountain Gorillas auction, what better tale to tell than one from Africa?

"Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters" is a lovely fairy tale from Zimbabwe. It's been called a Cinderella story, but a more accurate comparison would be to "Beauty and the Beast."

In the tale, Mufaro is the father of two beautiful daughters: Manyara, who is attractive in appearance, but self-centered and unkind; and Nyasha, whose gentle beauty matches her compassionate heart. Mufaro's daughters receive a summons to appear before the King, who has decided to take one of them to be his wife.

Eager to be queen, Manyara sneaks out in the night so that she may reach the King ahead of her sister. Along the way, a hungry little boy asks her for food; but she ignores him, thinking only of herself.

The following morning, her sister Nyasha accompanies the wedding party in its procession to meet the King. The same hungry boy makes his plea to the group, and kind-hearted Nyasha stops the procession so that she may give him food. When Nyasha is brought to the King's chambers, she is suddenly surprised to see her sister run from the room in a panic. "There is a horrible monster inside!" Manyara cries.

Courageously, Nyasha steps into the room to see what her sister was so afraid of. Yet what she discovers is not a terrible monster--only a small garden snake that she recognizes as her companion from back home. Before her very eyes, her little friend transforms into the figure of a man--the King himself.

The King knew of Nyasha's gentleness from her friendship toward a wild creature; and he knew, also, of her kindness toward the hungry boy. She was the beautiful woman--in face and spirit--that he wanted to have for his bride.

I feel that this story illustrates the purpose of this auction so well. Like Nyasha, so many beautiful souls are showing kindness and compassion toward their fellow human beings and toward the creatures of the planet, both through their artwork and their efforts to help. As we work together, let's hope for a "Happily Ever After"!

~Christine Taylor (mousewords)

Hope

HOPE

Copyright Skye Ryan-Evans 2007


(A lone Mountain Gorilla with view of the Virunga Volcanic range behind (Congo)



( Above) "HOPE" A closer look

This digital artwork is a tribute to the plight of the severely endangered Mountain Gorillas of the Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. It was created to celebrate the hope that surrounds the survival of these magnificent creatures during a time of devastating political unrest. These animals are caught in the crossfire of a human conflict and have been used to make political statements by being murdered. These innocents need our help!

~Skye Ryan - Evans (rusticmooncrafts)

Gentle Persuasion

"Gentle Persuasion"
Colored pencil
16"x 21"
Copyright ~ Leslie "Chisaii" Evans 2007

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.”

~Leslie "Chisaii" Evans (chisaiistudio)

Sad News!

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

Art for Mountain Gorillas? Here's Why

This is just some of what the rangers do:

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.

This is why we do it:

Kunga, The Peacemaker by Skye Ryan-Evans

"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.

~Skye Ryan-Evans (rusticmooncrafts)

Senkewe, a Tribute to a Leader

Senkewe by Robin J. Andreae

11" x 14" Acrylics on stretched canvas

08/21/2007

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

Gravy and the Elephant by Sandy Byers

Gravy and the Elephant by Sandy Byers

11" x 14", dry pastel on Sennelier paper

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

Exciting Things are Starting to Happen!

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 Paulin Ngobobo 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

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.