"World on Fire" New Conservation Artwork Featuring the Lovable Koala

"World on Fire" original 19"x24" painting on Bristol paper

​A lot of my art in 2021 is going to be centered around conservation and bringing attention to the plight of our planet, and to the endangerment of species around the world.  I’ve always had a love for nature and animals as far back as I can remember, and seeing what is currently happening with climate change, human impact, and so many living species going extinct (estimates conclude that species go extinct every  day) I want to use my art as a voice to help in any way I can.

​I’ve been painting these color study style paintings starting last year, and love creating them, but wanted to make them more than just a simple abstract, and one day while riding my bike, it hit me, why not add in a little animal icon to make more of an impact?!  This is my first go at it, and I decided to add in a sweet little Koala as they have been in the news a lot lately due to the devastating Australian wildfires of 2020, where so many of these little creatures lost their homes, habitats and lives.  Even though Koalas are currently not considered endangered, they are vulnerable, which is one step before endangerment status.  Knowing this, we have the opportunity to help prevent them ever reaching endangered status…why wait until it’s too late.

​The main threat to the existence of Koalas is:
Loss of Habitat:
Clearing of the land for expansion of human settlement, for example, for agriculture, housing, mining, forestry, shops, factories and roads. While humans need these modern conveniences, we should be trying to put them in places where Koalas and other wildlife are not already living, and to think of other solutions to the problems of modern life, such as improving public transport. Click here for more information on Koala habitat.
Clearing of the eucalypt forests means that all wildlife, including Koalas, will suffer from:

• loss of habitat
• increased disturbance by humans
• injury or death from traffic
• injury or death from dogs and cats
• effects of garden pesticides getting into waterways
• increased competition for food and territory because of overcrowding
• increased stress on animals, making them more susceptible to disease.

(source: https://www.savethekoala.com/about-koalas/threats-koala)
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Finding ways to help prevent the loss of habitat, and in turn, the extinction of Koalas in the wild, not only will save the species, but can help us to study ways to help other species before they ever get close to being endangered or going extinct.  There is hope for Koalas as people and organizations work towards preserving land for their continued existence.  As wards of this planet, it is our duty to protect it, and all living creatures, big and small.  We are the sentient, intelligent beings here, we need to preserve that which provides us life…our planet.  Even though I don't live in Australia, I can still do my part by discussing the issue, the need for assistance and change, and by donating to worthy causes that work towards saving our planet and it's inhabitants.

A portion of the proceeds from my MAD wonderland collection sales, is donated to Re:wild (formerly know as Global Wildlife Conservation), an organization I have collaborated with, and continue to contribute to. "We believe that together, we can protect and restore those ecosystems critical to the health of our planet—from the Amazon to Australia and from Borneo to our own backyards. We are excited to embark on this journey, because we believe that, together, we can rewild our world.." (Co-founded by Leonardo Dicaprio.)