Artist Statement

I am grateful to be a part of this Art4Apes group that is so very dedicated to bringing to light an awareness of the creatures that we, the people, have victimized to near distinction. Participating in this artful heart-full proactive group to join telling visual stories of the beautiful, loving animals that we share the earth with that need our protection. To create art to help create change, I’m all in. Shining light on awareness brightens a very dark subject.

I have volunteered in Thailand working for elephants that have worked in service to people most of their lives. It was sad and rewarding work and heart filling how many people were working together and feeling the same way about these amazingly kind, smart, and family-minded giant creatures. There was a mama there that was traumatized and rocked most of the time because her baby had been taken from her, it was heart-wrenching. They show intense feelings as we do.

I volunteered in South Africa with an amazingly hard-working and dedicated group. A rescue and release for baby rhinos whose mothers were poached and killed. These adorable babies, seemingly a cross between a manatee and a unicorn and they seem magical. They make bonds as we do.

People there make heroic rescues when they get a call that a baby is crying by its dead mother’s body, wounded. Vets are on call and come running when their services are needed, which are every rescue. The babies always come in traumatized; occasionally some don’t make it through the trauma and injuries. They rehab and get them healthy, a long process, and then release them in a protected area. I met many people from around the world, also compassionate and hardworking volunteers. That is wonderful and we need lots more involved. Hopeful.

In Uganda it was purely an experiential trip to BE with mountain gorillas, a trek 9,000 feet up, and feel them in the wild. It was an ineffable experience. Being with this gorilla family in all their regal magnificence, fun-loving, curious, accepting, yet cautious and curious of me, ways. Changed me forever. The young one touched me. WOW! The silverback was on his belly head in hands, I was 9 feet away on my belly with head in hands, eye gazing, for many minutes. Time actually stopped I think. Oh my, unbelievable.

All living creatures and our planet, are endangered. We the people are the cause. I feel a strong calling to help their human-created plight however I can. The Art4Apes commitment and hard work to helping awareness in this serious matter is an honor to be a part of.

Shows, Awards and Magazines

In my distant past, when I was strictly a painter, my work was shown at galleries in Palm Beach, Worth Ave.

A Unique Art Gallery was my home gallery for many years. A gallery that donated to local people's needs. Awarded honors.

Shown at Lighthouse Art Gallery.

Best in show at Jonathan Dickenson State Park Nature Preserve art show.

ART TOUR INTERNATIONAL, show in Miami. Featured in their Top 60 Masters Of Contemporary Art magazine 2015 and 2016 (hardcover magazine).

See more of Lynne’s work and get in touch with her, by clicking on the links below:

Website: http://www.lynnebernay.com

Finding focus through photography, Lynne’s program for at-risk students: http://www.visualvoicesunlimited.com