The Story Behind 'Hope': A Painting with a Purpose
Welcome to my blog, where I share the inspirations and stories behind my artwork. Today, I want to introduce you to a very special painting called 'Hope'. This piece is more than just a work of art; it's a heartfelt message and a call to action to help save one of the world's most majestic creatures, the black rhino.
Why Rhinos?
My love for rhinos began when I was just six years old. My father took me to Port Lympne, a wildlife park where I had my first encounter with a rhino. It was a moment that changed my life. I was captivated by the rhino's powerful presence and gentle demeanor. Before leaving the park, we visited the gift shop, and I chose a cuddly rhino toy, which has been my loyal companion for almost 22 years.
I have since spent every minute I can visiting the rhinos at Port Lympne and even feeding them on multiple occasions. In case you were wondering, they love cuddles and scratches behind the ears. They also get zoomies in the rain.
This early fascination sparked a deep concern for the challenges rhinos face, especially the devastating impact of poaching and the outdated myths surrounding the ivory trade.
The Painting
'Hope' depicts a black rhino running towards the viewer, it's eyes filled with a plea for help and a glimmer of hope. Next to the rhino is a dove, symbolising hope. The background of the painting is abstract and colourful, designed to draw attention to the rhino and emphasise the urgency of it's plight.
Creating this piece was an emotional journey for me. I wanted to capture the rhino's desperate situation and the hope that we, as humans, can bring through our actions. The abstract background serves to highlight the rhino and dove, making them the focal point and reinforcing the painting's message.
The Message
The black rhino population is critically endangered, with fewer than 5,500 individuals remaining in the wild. Poaching, driven by the demand for rhino horns, has brought these magnificent animals to the brink of extinction. Despite the grim reality, there is hope. Conservation efforts by organisations like The Aspinall Foundation and Helping Rhinos are making a difference. These groups work tirelessly to protect rhinos, rewild them, and educate the public about the importance of conservation.
Through 'Hope', I aim to raise awareness about the critical situation facing black rhinos and inspire others to take action. A portion of the profits from the sale of this painting will be donated to The Aspinall Foundation and Helping Rhinos. By supporting these organizations, we can help ensure a future for rhinos and contribute to the preservation of our planet's biodiversity.
Artivism: Art with a Purpose
Artivism combines art and activism, using creativity to inspire change and raise awareness about important issues. 'Hope' is my contribution to this movement. Through my art, I aim to highlight the urgent need for conservation and the role we can all play in protecting endangered species. By purchasing this painting, you are not only acquiring a unique piece of art but also supporting vital conservation efforts.
Join the Cause
I invite you to join me in making a difference. Whether through purchasing artwork, donating to conservation organisations, or spreading the word about the plight of rhinos, every action counts. Together, we can bring hope to these incredible animals and ensure they continue to grace our planet for generations to come.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about 'Hope' and the story behind it. I hope this painting inspires you as much as creating it has inspired me. Let's work together to protect our wildlife and make a positive impact on our world.
Image: Acrylic painting on canvas titled 'Hope', painted by Waverley Saunders