THE STORY
Thinking about wildlife conservation can often be pretty depressing, there’s a lot of bad news out there about the state of the environment and the lack of action that governments around the world seem to be prepared to take to safeguard wildlife or indeed wilderness areas. Moments for hope and celebration seem few and far between and if like me you care deeply for nature, it can all become a bit too overwhelming to try and hold on to those moments of hope and not simply become lost in the despair of it all. What once brought us joy becomes painful and heartbreaking.
With this in mind I wanted to create a collection of whimsical artworks that were playful and fun a reminder to still seek joy in our relationship with nature and to not become lost in the despair.
This was the fourth in the series after “Elephant Splash“, “Cheetah Splash” and “Giraffe Splash“. It is based on a portrait of a Purple roller I photographed in the Kruger National Park in South Africa. Most visitors to Southern Africa will be familiar with the exceptional Lilac breasted roller, but fewer will have been lucky enough to see a Purple roller, although they are equally as striking with their incredible plumage incorporating rusty pinks and iridescent greens. In colour tones this artwork sits alongside the Elephant image and would make a beautiful pair, utilising a similar turquoise shade but with the addition of purples and pinks that are drawn from the incredible plumage of the bird itself.
HOW PURCHASING THIS PRINT WILL SUPPORT CONSERVATION:
As you will probably know I donate money from the sale of all my artworks to conservation organisations. Having lived in these areas for many years and been fortunate to meet and work alongside the people and organisations working hard to protect them, not giving back to support the places that I love would be incomprehensible. Whilst birds definitely don’t get the same press or air time as the larger African wildlife, around the world they are also struggling with the impacts of habitat loss and human population growth impacting on their migration routes as well as their homes. Birds represent to me freedom and travel, they can hop across international borders with a simple wing beat. So it is for that reason that I have chosen to support the Peace Parks Foundation through the sales of this print. The Peace Parks Foundation has an incredible vision that transcends man-made boundaries, much like the birds. They began with the concept of transfrontier conservation areas (TFCA), defined as the area or component of a large ecological region that straddles the boundaries of two or more countries, encompassing one or more protected areas as well as multiple resource use areas. Peace Parks Foundation has been actively involved with the establishment and development of ten of the 18 TFCAs found throughout southern Africa, all of which are in various stages of development. This amazing vision comes with huge challenges, not just creating cohesive relationships with multiple countries and their governments as well as private sector interests. But they have proved it is possible and they have exciting goals to continue pushing forward and impacting even more areas forging new relationships and helping to ensure vast complex ecosystems and the wildlife and people that rely on them are able to thrive. If you would like to learn more about how your donation will support help or to learn more about the Peace Parks Foundation or support their work directly, you can visit their website here: https://www.peaceparks.org
EXTRA INFORMATION:
Instead of offering bulk mass-produced prints, I want you to know that you are buying something special and unique. I feel that people should purchase fine art photography prints because the artwork speaks to them and they feel an emotional connection to the print and the photographer. All my prints are strictly available as low number limited edition runs. As a limited edition print sells its price will appreciate accordingly in the online store, as fewer remain available to purchase.
This picture is printed on archival grade fine art Hahnemühle Photorag paper. If you have not seen this before it a softly textured paper that gives a wonderful quality to an image, really empathising the idea of the texture you would imagine if the bird was actually sitting in front of you. It is a brilliant paper for bringing out the subtle tones and textures.
I recommend that when you receive your print that you have it properly mounted and framed by an experienced professional frame shop to ensure the maximum care and longevity of your artwork.
Should you wish to purchase a limited edition print in a different size to that listed, please contact me and I will be happy to discuss your requirements and provide a quote for the cost to produce the print in your desired size. I am also happy to provide quotes for framing or printing onto Chromaluxe if you would like to have your print sent to you ready for you to hang on your wall.
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