Timeless Reflections Volume 1

Whispers From The Future by Trudi Doyle

Whispers From The Future by Trudi Doyle

As a response to constantly reading reports on the decline of animal and bird populations all over our planet, I created this painting. I felt overwhelmed by the fact that human activities have tipped the scales against the survival of animal populations, many of which are disappearing at an alarming rate due to poaching, habitat loss, and overuse of natural resources.

I began by researching the subject and finding images of endangered and possibly extinct species. I then chose some of the animals and birds and began to sketch them with pencil and ink. When I had formulated an idea of how the work would proceed, I prepared my canvas and sketched the central figure. I then began painting, creating a darkened landscape with trees. I added images of the chosen animals and birds above the central figure, then I created a dark, ominous skyscape. I connected the upper and lower parts of the painting by a flock of white birds flying into the dark skies, symbolic of whispers from the future and also perhaps symbolic of hope that things might change.

The painting was created over a number of weeks. I aimed to achieve the visual equivalent of lyrical poetry, each part of the image evoking an emotional response within the viewer.

Since I painted this, I was deeply saddened to hear that the world’s last male Northern White Rhino had died at the age of 45 in Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya on 19th March 2018. Hunters are also responsible for the early decline of Black Rhino populations which are now also critically endangered. Human activities have tipped the scales against the survival of animal populations, many disappearing at an alarming rate due to poaching, habitat loss, and overuse of natural resources.

The Leatherback Turtle is also in danger because of poaching and overexploitation. The Sumatran Elephant’s status was recently changed from Endangered to Critically Endangered largely due to habitat loss and humanelephant conflict. The last documented sighting of China's Yangtze River Dolphin was in 2002. Scientists say it may already be extinct. The Hawaiian Crow was declared "extinct in the wild" in 2002 when the last two known living wild crows disappeared. Some birds still remain in captivity.

It is the responsibility of human beings to create a better future for wildlife.