Be Fearless

For my art project I chose the word fearless. I chose to paint a skier hitting a jump to represent fearlessness because, just like skiing, being fearless requires commitment and going through with what you set out to do. I feel that often people fear things because they have never done them before, even if they are capable. People should follow their dreams and face their fears.

Liam, Grade 9

Be Active

For my artwork, I chose the title, "Be Active".  I painted a  man crossing the finish line after a race.  Being active is important because a lot of people these days aren't very active and do not include very much, or any, physical activity in their daily lives. This can make people feel tired and lazy.  When people are active they can feel positive and energized.  This is why everybody should try to be active as much as possible.

Alex, Grade 9

Be Empowered

The word empowered can mean a lot; whether you're empowered as one, or empowered as all. To be empowered means to have power; to make things happen for good and sometimes even bad. In my mind, to be empowered is to make something big and good happen. My picture describes being empowered by voting for a president who promises to change the bad things and make everything better, such as clean cities. Although being empowered can be taken the wrong way, I believe we can do good with it. 

-Danya, Grade 10

Be Confident

My artwork shows a guy posing in front of a sun set on a hill. He doesn't have too big of muscles, but his shadow is showing very big muscles. This is meaning he has confidence in who he is. All that confidence takes is accepting who you are. Confidence is a big part in life and needed for many things. It takes confidence to get a job, to stand in front of a crowd, it takes confidence to get through troubles in life. With confidence people have a much greater chance of doing amazing things.

Kelsey L. Grade 9

Be Colourful

I chose the word colourful for this painting. I think being colourful is a good quality to have. Being colourful doesn't necessarily mean wearing bright clothes, or extravagant makeup.  To me, it means being friendly, cheerful and inviting toward others;  being happy overall. Choosing to be happy puts yourself in a good mood, and that can lift the moods of others around you. I chose the colours red, green, blue, and yellow because they are cheerful colours. They are different enough from each other, that against one another they stand out and don't blend together creating one dimensional colour. The woman's makeup adds interest to her face and makes her appear more colourful. The ink details emphasize the image making it look overall more interesting; much like people with colourful personalities.

Jane, Grade 9

Be Creative

In my artwork, I showed representations of creativity. Creativity is used for many different things, from the plays we watch, to the things we invent. Creativity also has an effect on people's lives. If it wasn't for singing and songwriting, Justin Bieber wouldn't be the person he is today. Also we wouldn't have the variety of clothes we have, because designers use their creativity to come up with designs.  People are all interested in various types of creativity.  Some of the creative activities I incorporated into my art include: dance, guitar, drama, photography, piano, and painting. Creativity can help people in many ways; by doing something you love, you will not be tempted to do bad things. By adding creativity to our lifestyle,  people will be happy at the end of the day because they will have done something they love. Creativity has a big effect on our lives - that's why we love it!

Bonnie, Grade 9

Be Brave

My painting represents how we as a community have to stand up and be brave against what we fear the most. In my artwork, the monster represents pollution and how it can take over and wipe fear into people's lives. Essentially, the monster could mean anything, from fearing big things like power, or a small fear like a bully at school.  I wanted my painting to let people know that it's OK to be afraid, but you can't let it run your life and get you down. You've got to stay strong, and be brave.

Maddie, Grade 9

Be Strong

This painting is about people coming together as one, to stand strong against forces that are trying to over-power society.  The large symbol in the background is the symbol of a group which supposedly controls all of the world's affairs and ultimately tries to control the people. This leading to a new world order. I feel that this is not a good thing because we will have no more privileges, or be able to do things we like, and all we would be able to do would be to follow commands. This drawing represents that we can stand strong against forces bigger than us.

Jonah, Grade 10

Be Kind-Hearted

My artwork represents being kind-hearted. In the middle there is a girl with energy flowing out of her heart. Inside the swirl of energy there are words that connect to being kind-hearted. In the background there's a light wash of warm colours, the girl is darker and outlined  making her more bold. She has a big heart which symbolizes kindness. I think being kind-hearted is very important.

Ruby, Grade 10

Be Peaceful

My water colour painting represents that it is important to be a peaceful person in our world. Being peaceful gives us an opportunity to escape from the world we live in and use time for ourselves. In today's society, being an individual is becoming less and less of a good thing. It is important to reconnect with who you really are and what you enjoy instead of being influenced by the "cookie cutter' world around us.

Alana, Grade 9

Be Unique

My painting is supposed to display the idea of being unique. It symbolizes stepping out into the world and being who you really are, rather than just who you think you should be. I want people to see that just being different can change your whole outlook on life. I showed happiness, in the face of the girl which is unique because the people in the background were not very happy. I want to show the world that it's okay to stand out; to be more than just another face in the crowd. If everyone embraced their uniqueness it could help to bring bullying to its knees, and help to make the world less critical and more accepting. I believe that even just a simple picture can show someone, anyone, that being unique is not a bad thing. In fact, it's a great thing! It can change lives and spark dreams. 

Ally, Grade 9

Be Honourable

My word is Honourable. I chose this word because to be honoured is to be respected. Many people don't get the honour or respect that they deserve and others get honour and respect that they have not earned. In the painting itself, the battle worn soldier lays his hand on the statue of a great king's sword; getting ranked/dubbed as a more honourable knight. To be honoured and to show honour is important because everyone deserves some honour to a certain degree. The lack of honour and honourable behaviour in the world is too great, and it should change.


Dean, Grade 10

Be Grateful

In my artwork there is a girl with her arms outspread taking in the beauty around her. I wanted people to understand that it is important to take a moment to realize the beauty all around us. I represented gratitude. It is easy to complain about our problems and take things for granted, but very hard to count our blessings and be grateful. So I challenge all of us! Gratitude is one of the most powerful motivators, and it is important to feel for the things we are so fortunate to have. If everyone was grateful, the wonders of life would be appreciated and there would be more joy. From this process I have learnt that we all need to take more time from our days just to look around us and be happy for what we have, and to really enjoy it.

Heather, Grade 10

Be Imaginative

In my artwork, I am showing futuristic thoughts - what could possibly happen in the coming years, if we are all imaginative. Some examples are the flying cars, the robot and the rockets to the moon, which has buildings on it.  The lyrics are to help represent the drawings like the giraffe/zebra and the lollipops on the tree. These drawings show things that would probably never happen, but it shows how imaginative a young mind can be. There are also some symbols in my painting: the infinity sign symbolizes that there are endless possibilities when it comes to your imagination. The rainbow cylinder signifies a mind exploding with ideas. The brown stairs behind it corresponds to technology getting more advanced in stages. I chose the word imaginative because I always try to be imaginative in everything I do. I strongly believe if you use your imagination and are open to new ideas, you could be capable of more than you think you are. In this process, I have realized that the world is changing at a fairly quick tempo, and if people put their positive, imaginative foot forward, we have the chance to change the world in more ways than one.

Teghan, Grade 10

Be Spirited

Be spirited. All the stress in your life might be bringing you down and taking away your fun, but that is no excuse to not be spirited. We need people who can have fun and enjoy whats going on. fill your life with happiness and joy. You need to spread your spirit to all those who forgot they had one. All those dull people around you need some colour in there life so let it shine. Remember life has a purpose and that purpose is for us to live to our life to the fullest. So live large. Let your spirit fly.

Kelsey, Grade 9

Be Resilient

I chose the word resilient because it's important that people be resilient against problems big or small. In my art I have shown some large scale issues; like natural disasters, blackouts and pollution, with a girl holding them up.  She is stronger than the problems she faces. The problems in my art are problems that effect people around the world, but there are also other things we have to overcome. Resilience is key to overcoming many global issues.

Georgia, Gr. 9

Be Innovative

The word I attempted to portray is to be innovative.  I chose this word because our world is in constant demand of creative and ingenious new thinking.  These ideas could improve minor details of our daily lives or be a solution to a worldwide problem that would better mankind exponentially.  One example of symbolism in my artwork would be the light bulb to represent the beginning of the change or also the initial idea behind it.  Frankly, it only takes one person to make a change to our world and that person could be you! "The future is purchased by the present." -Samuel Johnson.

Samantha, Grade 10.

The Animals Only Voice

A group of young art students were surprised to discover that British Columbia does not have endangered species legislation! Proudly claiming the title of, "Beautiful BC" and, "The Best Place on Earth," it seems ironic that British Columbia is failing to protect the over 1600 species at risk! From the grizzly bears to the great blue herons to the rattle snakes; BC is the most biologically diverse province in the country. These artworks represent the students initiative to take action; to recognize the species that make British Columbia so diverse.

The compelling artworks bring attention to both the beauty and the plight of many vulnerable animals in BC.  To make their images authentic, the students researched their animals on the internet.  They found information on habitat, behaviours, threatened ecosystems, and population declines.  The students looked at the problems facing these animals and considered some possible solutions. 

After gathering the necessary information, students needed to compose their images to convey this information; to grab the  viewers attention and force them to think. Some artists included words or symbols to strengthen their message, while others considered colour combinations and  watercolour techniques to further enhance their images. The result is a richly varied impression of some of the beautiful species currently endangered or at risk in British Columbia.

We hope these paintings speak to you.
"We are the animals only voice!"
 

Colours of Pollution

The animal that is featured in my watercolour painting is a Red-necked Phalarope.  The Phalarope are soon to be endangered in British Columbia. In my painting, the chosen colours represent the pollution in our waterways that is caused by cities and agricultural run-off. Pollution is the main reason why these animals are threatened. The buildings in the background are so dark and bold to represent how industry and agriculture have such a harsh impact on these beautiful birds. I feel that the Red-necked Phalarope needs more recognition, along with all other endangered species. I hope that our future generation has the chance to embrace the beauty of this bird.

Danya, Grade 10

No Place to Live

I did this painting to show how our growing cities are destroying what is left of the homes of many animals. When we cut down forests we are destroying their homes and, for some species such as the Northern Saw-Whet Owl, we are destroying their breeding grounds. The Northern Saw-Whet Owl is the smallest species of owl in B.C., they also need trees to give birth to their young. If the cities continue to grow, many species will either die or leave B.C.. Do you want beautiful B.C. to turn into devastated B.C.?

Harry, Grade 10

Almost Gone

A Barn Owls' perfect living environments are open lowlands that include plantations, various forest types and farmlands. The two main reasons why so many Barn Owls are endangered is one, traffic; and two shelter.  Without being able to rely on a barn for shelter, Barn Owls cannot survive our painful winters. We could save many by setting up nests to protect them from the cold, and to provide a safe environment.

Monika, Grade.9

The Glow of Extinction

My painting "The Glow of Extinction" represents the anger and fear the humans have toward the Grey Wolf. The glow from the Earth shows that we are no longer welcoming our wildlife, we're slowly leaving them in the dark. Our earth is on fire and the population, habitat loss, and lack of responsibility is definitely not putting it out.  The Grey Wolf, also known as the Timber Wolf, is a beautiful creature. It prefers the open tundra and forests of British Columbia. This animal is very social and mates for life. The average of seven pups are born. Even though it should have a great population, the Grey Wolf is gaining risk of endangerment. Humans fear, superstition, and out right hatred to this animal is leading to aggressive hunting. This decreased its population drastically and dropped it from 50% of its former range. Changes need to be made such as, more awareness of this animal and understanding of its risks and rights. Not only for this animal but every single one has a right. Our wildlife of beautiful British Columbia deserves a life and our future children deserve to see it. We need to stand up for the many creatures that don't have a voice.

Nicola, Grade 10

The Rockin' Blue Tail

The animal that I chose to paint is a Western BC Skink. The Skink is a small lizard like animal that lives in between rocks and in shrubs. The reason that Skinks are threatened is because of habitat destruction from residential construction. Skinks are beautiful creatures that deserve to live a long happy life. As humans we need to take into consideration that they built their homes there first.

Emily, Grade 10

A Rare Beauty

I picked the Western Painted turtles because they are cool and colourful. The painted turtles live in habitats such as ponds, marshes, small lakes, ditches and sluggish streams that usually have muddy bottoms and lots of aquatic plants. These turtles usually live in areas from southern BC to Nova Scotia, and all the way south to Kansas, Louisiana and Georgia. The risks to these endangered species are that they require- wetlands and ponds for hiding and foraging. This habitat is found in very few places within their range because of construction. Deterioration and destruction of their habitat, through pollution, waterway interference and urbanization, is their major threat. The habitats for the Western Painted turtles are usually modified to fit human needs and not theirs. I don't want to see these turtles disappear from the earth forever because of us. Changes we can make are protecting where they live. Taking their homes away from them, prevents the turtles from reproducing. We also need to avoid disturbing them or their habitats. We need to restore their habitats and remove their predators from these areas. I learned that Western Painted turtles are cool by going to a bible camp called SYC and kayaking in the Gardom Lake with my friends. We found turtles swimming in the lake; it was so much fun! I LOVE WESTERN PAINTED TURTLES! There are only 49 different painted turtle species and only 800 to 900 painted turtles estimated left.

Savannah, Grade 9

Sticker Book

In my painting I'm trying to show people how fragile the present is, and how our actions now can effect the future to an extreme. The hand and the sticker page are meant to represent the future and that children may not be able to experience the animals that we have today. My art is based on the Mountain Caribou, the Mountain Caribou is a critically endangered species. Within the last decade their population has dropped about 25%, from approximately 2200 in the late 1990's to approximately 1900 today. This species is linked to many other endangered species and if the caribou were to go extinct it may lead to the disappearance of 21 other species. The Mountain Caribou is globally unique to South eastern British Columbia so if we don't protect it, who will? The main threats to the caribou are habitat loss and fragmentation. Logging and back country recreation are the main causes of both of these. People need to take action and help support these unique animals.

Katie, Grade 9
For more information on the Mountain Caribou go to  www.mountaincaribou.ca/

Dangerous? Who?

My artwork is of a Northern Pacific Rattlesnake, surrounded by large bootprints. That symbolizes how helpless many animals are in comparison to people and our machines. The Northern Pacific Rattlesnake has subspecies around BC and some places in the United States . It's not endangered yet, but it will be if we continue to destroy their homes. Entire populations of snakes can be wiped out by destroying a single home; a hibernaculum. Many are also killed by misinformation and fear. People see snakes as a danger, rather than an animal at risk of being endangered.

Kelton
Grade 9

I Am a KIller Whale

The animal that I chose to paint is a Killer Whale. This mammal is endangered because of humans. Our sewage and toxins drain into the oceans where they live, along with air pollutants coming over from Asia. These risks make their prey extinct too.
In my painting, the flowing parts through the water highlight the powerful words written in them. The words are suposed to be from the whales opinion and how it feels. There is only one whale in my painting because it shows how alone the mammal is, swimming through the dark ocean water.  The Killer Whale needs our help to stay protected, which means we need to give it a clean ecosystem.

Maddy, Grade 10

The Canada Warbler

I painted a picture of three Canada Warblers flying around the world because, it represents that with all of the forests being cut down they will have no place to live. It also represents that they are flying around the world night and day looking for a new place to live, but can't find it. I made the Warblers big because even though they are not a very well known species they still have a large impact on BC.There are under 100 Canada warblers left in BC (wikipedia). The Warbler needs a place to live, they breed generally in dense secondary growth forests, red maple swamps, or high elevation alpine forests.

Amy, Grade 10

Their Lives Are In Our Hands

For my painting I have chosen to do a Canada Warbler. Warblers live in secondary growth forest, in swamps, or high elevation alpine forests. Due to the loss of habitat they have recently been assessed as threatened. In my painting I have shown the Warbler in the hands of a human being to show that their lives are in our hands and it is our job to protect and make sure that they have suitable habitat to live in.

Megan, Grade 9

Bears

My picture represents the poaching of bears for sport and the risks to them from urbanization. Many grizzlies are shot and killed either for fun, or for wandering into urban areas. With human civilization expanding, the habitat of these animals are being diminished at uncontrollable rates, thus leaving them no choice, but to head into our towns and cities.  Everyday many of these bears are killed and no one seems to give a second thought of it. When a starving bear is caught in peoples garbage looking for food, just to stay alive, it is considered a threat and must be dealt with. The concept for my art was to show the double standards between humans and animals; by switching their roles and showing people what our actions are like from the other end of the barrel.

Sarah, Grade 9

The Amazing American Avocet

I felt really sad when I found out that B.C. doesn't have an endangered species law, because I love animals! So that's why I created this painting of the American Avocet. The American Avocet lives in shallow fresh and salt water wetlands, mainly in B.C. and a few places in the United States. This bird is threatened because of human activity and limited nesting space. In my painting, you see the bird on the left is sad because the environment is dirty and dark. And that is starting to happen now and will get worse if we don't fix it. In the middle, the bird is flying into a better world - away from BC. On the right, the bird is happy because its surroundings are clean, healthy and bright, the way they should be. There are over 1900 species in B.C. that are at risk! I hope that my artwork will inspire people and make them aware of this too.

Katrina, Grade 9

One Flame

My animal is the Flammulated Owl; a small bird that weighs roughly  55 to 65 grams. This bird is at risk from our lumber industries, as well as pesticides and poisons. This art work shows an Owl in a world were everything is fading away and blending into nothing. It symbolizes the Flammulatd Owl's loss of home and their depravity of life. Us humans might realize, one day, that we could have stopped and changed our ways of dealing with these animals, but by then it will be too late.

Taylor, Grade 9

Endangered Swift Fox

My painting is of a young, endangered Swift Fox. It is looking at buildings that took over its habitat in Canada. Swift Foxes live in deserts or short grass prairies, but due to farmers' long crops and housing, along with manufacturing, the Swift Fox lost its ability to stalk his prey or have a home. In the past, there were animal control programs to kill coyotes, ground squirrels and wolves, but they got the Swift Fox instead, which led to their expiration from Canada in the early 1900s. People realized their actions upon such a beautiful animal and so it got better. But, Swift Foxes are still accidentally being shot, trapped and poisoned. If things changed, the numbers of the Swift Fox would grow. I made this piece of art to open peoples eyes and make a change.

Brooklyn, Grade 9.

If I Could Talk

My painting is of a Great Blue Heron. It is called "If I could talk" because, if this heron could talk, it would be screaming out all the words in the speech bubble. The Great Blue Heron needs our help, because they can't verbally express the sadness and worries they feel. There are buildings in the background to reflect the growth in urbanization which is causing the heron's numbers to diminish. Sometimes people even build right over top of their nesting areas, which are near swamps and wetlands. I wanted my painting to have an impact, and make people feel like they want to make a change. Animals are important to British Columbia. Without them, this province wouldn't be "The Best Place on Earth." An endangered species law must be introduced to BC before the Great Blue Heron, along with over 1900 other endangered species, become extinct.

Emily, Grade 10

Just Think

The animal that I chose is a Barn Owl. The barn owl in BC is in grave danger. Its food supply is being killed off by pesticides and its home is being destroyed (www.protectbiodiversity.ca). Many people say that the eyes are the doorway to the soul. This is why I made the eyes on my owl powerful. I want people to realize what this animal has experience - has a soul. In my art, I made some words more prominent than others: "think", "life", "food", "home", and "saved". These words outline what is most important to the barn owl and they are intended to make us think. "Saved" is my favourite word. It means there is a chance, not only for the Barn Owl to survive, but for other endangered species too. I can only hope that in the future this beautiful species will be all around us. Just think about how we will be affected when our native species are no longer with us.

Gabie, Grade 10

Spirit Bear Facing Extinction

In my artwork, the spirit bear depicted has its four paws submerged in oil. The spirit bears are greatly threatened by a proposal to make a pipeline across their coast. Behind the spirit bear are several tall buildings, this is to show that we are taking over their home and logging their habitat for our own selfish reasons. I hope people understand that these beautiful bears and other mystical animals must be protected and we must take action or we may never see these creatures again. Spirit bears live solely on the coast of British Columbia and are known for their unique white coat. If we continue to pillage and log this coast, we will wipe out the salmon, the spirit bears source of food, and will be taking their ideal hibernating and denning habitat. This animal faces extinction if we do not stop logging this coast or using it for our selfish wants. Legislation could improve their situation by making laws to protect this coast and the small population (200) of spirit bears left in the world. I would like to see the endangered animals of BC living in harmony with us. We need to respect and care for these animals, not rob them of their lives. I have learnt from this process that we can take action and we must do something to save these fast dying numbers of endangered species.

Heather, Grade 9

Surrounded

In my painting, you see a bird flying, and in the background, there are blotches of colour. The colour represents all the pollution that the bird can't ever fly away from. I chose to paint the Red Knot because it is one of the species that isn't super extravagant or attention demanding. The species that are more in the background are the ones that are more likely to go extinct because no one is overly concerned about them. I think we need to raise awareness about endangered species in BC, because whatever humans do will affect the lives of those animals.

Jillian, Grade 10

Tigers At Heart

In my artwork, I chose to represent Somalia. I did this by incorporating tigers, an African border, and people wearing African war masks. I used water colour and ink to mix together bright patterns.  My painting is supposed to show how fiercely woman can fight to break through poverty if they are given the chance. Every day, terrible things happen to over 1 000 women in Somalia. Only 24% of woman are literate and 1 in 10 woman risk dying during pregnancy. Many woman are forced into prostitution to help support their families, and 97% of female prostitutes start before the age of 14.  Even though many woman are never given a chance to be great, they still shine on the inside, and the hand of a man will never be able to force down that power.

- Jaymee, Grade 10

Making a Difference

If one woman can change her life and make a difference in the lives of others, imagine what 3.3 million strong and capable women can do.... My painting is meant to replicate this idea. The woman in my painting is strong and holding a tool of power- the hammer. With the hammer she strikes a glass ball. The ball is a symbol of poverty, and everything women must fight to be free and independent. The tip of the hammer is immersed in blue flames. These flames are a literal and figurative representation of the force women can make. Overall my painting is demonstration of the impact women can make as individuals and as a group.

-Morgan, Grade 10

Souls of Women

Women all around the world don't get a chance to have an education. Women at a young age are forced to get married and to raise a family. What most people don't know is that women can change the world. For my art project, I chose to show how education can light up the souls of women. Hopefully my art work will change the minds of others to take a stand for women, and to let women marry at a proper age and to have children when they want.

- Dominique, Grade 9





Watch for more student artwork . . .

Rise Above

In my art three women are rising above a world of pain and misery as they clutch at the fragile tendrils of hope. I was hoping that when people see my work they will understand the difficulties that women in other parts of the world face each day, and how they can come to rise above their struggles with a bit of help. I aimed to represent Peru. I did this by using the same style of bright fabrics with detailed patterns. I chose Peru because women there are constantly being denied basic rights, like abortions, which are illegal there. Nearly half of Peruvian women are abused by fathers, brothers, or husbands, and 44.5% of Peru's population live below the poverty line. I believe that our art can change the world, because if it can inspire just one person, that person can have the power and ability to speak up and make a difference.

- Robin, Grade 10


Watch for more artwork to follow . . .