Raven (PRO)

I was so drawn to this photo of the solitary raven taken Ian McAllister that I used it as my inspiration and guide for this piece. The raven is symbolic for me of both the light and the dark, hope and despair. I love the way this raven is looking back toward the viewer, and while I was painting it I was reflecting on how humans of the future will look back on our actions today - what will they think? Will they understand why we kept killing wolves despite it not working to save caribou? Will they understand why we kept cutting down forests, especially old-growth forests, with no long-term vision? Ravens are one of the most intelligent creatures and I’m hoping humanity can tap into our individual and collective intelligence, in the mind and the heart, to meet the climate and ecological crisis of today. The raven is 10.5” x 12” (ish), watercolour on Arches hot press. Cassandra is currently working on her MA in Environmental Studies at the University of Victoria. When she is not writing her thesis she can be found happily and quietly painting, most recently in a realistic watercolour style. She has always been an artist and is finally trying to merge her passion for nature and art in ways that can hopefully support better conservation outcomes. She is grateful to be able to participate in WildAuction2020! Thank you <3

• Name : Cassandra Buunk