Painting for the Elephant Daze campaign. 

 

ACCD Class: Digital Life

Teacher: Cliff Nielsen.

 

 I was struck with poaching and I wanted to create a visual connection between the brutal act of chopping elephant’s faces, with the ivory and the “slaves” who are the people who risk their lives, family and country for the benefit from this illegal market. This piece represents a big irony. - an elephant’s life in exchange of a “beautiful” necklace, rings, earrings, or even a cigarette filter to top it off. The defaced woman not only shows what we do to the elephants, it shows what were are doing to ourselves ultimately. - killing ourselves.

 

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Since I started my illustration career I’ve always been focused primarily on entertainment and have huge passion for sci-fi, fantasy and creatures. Lately, I’ve been looking and getting inspired from other artists that are doing good awareness art, like Shepard Fairey and Sean Norvet. But the person that really pushed me and motivated me to step into awareness is my friend and partner in crime Ashli B. Gonzales. Her ideals influenced me in a very positive way, opening my eyes to the possibilities of adding a bigger meaning than just entertainment to my art. Ashli’s ideals of integrating entertainment art with awareness have motivated me to jump into action. Ashli is currently getting a Bachelor of Science at HSU in Environmental Resource Management and currently making big impacts on serious environmental issues, working with people and doing the right thing for all of us. 

The entertainment industry is by far the most powerful  when it comes to visual communication, this is a great tool to reach and connect to people.  We want to make a huge call for all types visual artists, specially entertainment industry related, to integrate awareness into their art, educate people with it and create a future for the better good and understanding of what surrounds us. 

 

"Artists have the ability to reach out to people with connection and resemblance. Use the power of art for the well being of others."- Ashli B. Gonzales