This painting of a mountain gorilla was named in memory of an orphaned gorilla, Kaboko. Kaboko lost his life when his caretaker could not access medicine due to a war of rebel militias and poachers trying to control the Congo's rich natural resources. I think it is wrong that deforestation and poaching could eliminate some of earths most amazing animals. I have always felt a connection to animals and I am captivated by their beauty, innocence, and importance to our own preservation. My artwork is heavily influenced by the species that are most in need of human intervention for survival. Most often, my focus is placed solely on the animal, with little to no landscape. I can't help but feel a sense of personal responsibility to create a voice for the animals that can’t tell their stories. I use my art as a platform to give animals a voice and to bring awareness to the significant role that they play in our world and the dangers that they face.
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