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!"
 

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

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