"Sleeping Takaya" by Valerie Rolfe - Original
Artist Bio
Takaya’s story of adventure, ingenuity and resourcefulness on his island home piqued my interest. Living without a pack or even a mate, thriving for years despite many humans trying to shape his life, Takaya was one glorious wild wolf, self-sufficient and free. Just like Jane Goodall named and observed the chimpanzees of Gombe, Cheryl patiently recorded Takaya’s habits and movements so that we came to know him, personally investing in his health, happiness and future. That his killing came as a devastating blow to thousands worldwide is testament to both Cheryl’s faithful study and to the compassion and caring that thankfully exists in so many people.
Artist Statement
I love animals, the natural world, and charming subjects. My early work revolved around watercolours of my kids and pets, followed by acrylic paintings of the same, finally branching out into animals in sanctuary, and in their natural environments. I like to paint in order to promote the organizations and causes I care about, including The Centre for Whale Research, The Whale Sanctuary Project, The Fauna Foundation, The Jane Goodall Institute, Takaya’s Legacy, and Hockhockson Farm. My paintings are inspired by the strength of animals who suffer at human hands, those who are lovingly taken into care, and those who thrive in the natural world. I also love trees of all stripes.
Artist Bio
Takaya’s story of adventure, ingenuity and resourcefulness on his island home piqued my interest. Living without a pack or even a mate, thriving for years despite many humans trying to shape his life, Takaya was one glorious wild wolf, self-sufficient and free. Just like Jane Goodall named and observed the chimpanzees of Gombe, Cheryl patiently recorded Takaya’s habits and movements so that we came to know him, personally investing in his health, happiness and future. That his killing came as a devastating blow to thousands worldwide is testament to both Cheryl’s faithful study and to the compassion and caring that thankfully exists in so many people.
Artist Statement
I love animals, the natural world, and charming subjects. My early work revolved around watercolours of my kids and pets, followed by acrylic paintings of the same, finally branching out into animals in sanctuary, and in their natural environments. I like to paint in order to promote the organizations and causes I care about, including The Centre for Whale Research, The Whale Sanctuary Project, The Fauna Foundation, The Jane Goodall Institute, Takaya’s Legacy, and Hockhockson Farm. My paintings are inspired by the strength of animals who suffer at human hands, those who are lovingly taken into care, and those who thrive in the natural world. I also love trees of all stripes.
Artist Bio
Takaya’s story of adventure, ingenuity and resourcefulness on his island home piqued my interest. Living without a pack or even a mate, thriving for years despite many humans trying to shape his life, Takaya was one glorious wild wolf, self-sufficient and free. Just like Jane Goodall named and observed the chimpanzees of Gombe, Cheryl patiently recorded Takaya’s habits and movements so that we came to know him, personally investing in his health, happiness and future. That his killing came as a devastating blow to thousands worldwide is testament to both Cheryl’s faithful study and to the compassion and caring that thankfully exists in so many people.
Artist Statement
I love animals, the natural world, and charming subjects. My early work revolved around watercolours of my kids and pets, followed by acrylic paintings of the same, finally branching out into animals in sanctuary, and in their natural environments. I like to paint in order to promote the organizations and causes I care about, including The Centre for Whale Research, The Whale Sanctuary Project, The Fauna Foundation, The Jane Goodall Institute, Takaya’s Legacy, and Hockhockson Farm. My paintings are inspired by the strength of animals who suffer at human hands, those who are lovingly taken into care, and those who thrive in the natural world. I also love trees of all stripes.