Based between South Africa and the UK, Invicta Wildlife Fund is a registered, non-profit conservation charity founded in 2021. Africa Wildlife Art (AWA) is a project run independently by Invicta WF and over 100 artists from around the world. Launched in 2022, this online gallery showcases art by some of the best wildlife artists in the world. No less than 50 per cent of proceeds are donated to select wildlife conservations in Africa.
Early this year (2020) I was honored by playing a small part in the effort to re-introduce gray wolves to Colorado’s western slopes by painting "Advocate for Equilibrium", a tribute to Yellowstone’s Wolf 8. Wolf 8 was an underdog who, against all the odds, proved to be a caring leader, pack member, litter mate, breeding partner, mate, and sire. In short, an example to all of us.
Many of you may wonder what process I followed to produce “Advocate for Equilibrium” - like all my paintings, my inspiration comes primarily from the emotional connection I feel to the subject. During the early phase of painting, I received a copy of Rick McIntyre’s book “The Rise of Wolf 8” - and the emotional bond began to form. After reading Rick’s book, I was overwhelmed with respect for BOTH Wolf 8 AND his adopted son, 21. To further understand wolves, I visited a wonderful Wolf Sanctuary in Colorado to feel a wolf’s fur, to see how they move, to deepen the bond I was beginning to feel. I was greeted by a magnificent male who looked deeply into my eyes from a distance of a few inches, and it was then that I saw what most will never understand: the balanced, serene majesty of an apex predator, absent of malice, full of life and hope, a product of a greater creative force than mankind can ever aspire to.
“Advocate for Equilibrium “ represents both wolves 8 and 21. After reading Rick’s book I was unable to separate them. Creating this piece has been an emotional journey for me, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity.