As
long as I can remember, even as a very small child, I've been
fascinated with the radiance of colors, and the sensation of the
textures offered by the environment (rough bark on the trees,
softness of my puppy's belly, the coolness of the earth and rocks
beneath my feet or the loft of a dove feather). Equally as interesting
and still amazing are the animals, wildlife and all the creatures
that inhabits this earth along side of us. Over the years, I've
learned how to harness my passion through various art forms such
as sculpture, weaving and textiles, and paint and pencil mediums.
Formally, I was granted a degree in Graphics from Edinboro University,
however the paint brush was the one object which always seemed
to find it's way back into my hand.
My love for animals has guided me into various animal related
passions; from canine obedience trainer, animal rescuer, shelter
volunteer, environmental and conservation devotee, to researcher
for holistic alternative medicines, fundraising chairperson and
marketing consultant for nonprofit organizations and now as a
licenced wildlife rehabber.
Throughout
my time here on this earth, I have had the opportunity to travel
across the US to breathtaking places where private and amazing
interaction with wildlife (in the canyons and valleys) are still
relatively abundant and some times still pristine. 
I
have visited places outside the US where I have been able to experience
old traditions related to animal welfare some kind, others harsh
and challenging to view. I've stayed in incredible countries such
as Africa (photo taken with sweet children on the island of Inhaca
- off Mozambique above), where I learned valuable lessons about
beauty and poverty, life and death of both the two legged and
four. There is no doubt that many of these lessons are/were hard
to witness, but offered me great inner growth and understanding
in my journey for my contribution to the planet. All have been
a gift no matter how lasting the memory or challenging the experience
(be it visual or physical).
I
have been given the rare opportunity to participate in the "stranding"
efforts of a Dwarf Sperm Whale named "DOC" who was brought
to Key Largo Florida. This event has thus far been one of the
most dramatic and life changing experiences. My sincere thanks
goes to the Marine
Mammal Conservancy for their rescue efforts and love
they display to our animals in the oceans. For more information
regarding this adventure, please reference the section titled
"Acknowledgment"
for my account of this "stranding".
As
you will see with my wildlife paintings: Wildlife-Honor
The Earth, I've been able to created many colorful images
as a result of many encounters during my visits within the US
and abroad. As a result of all these varied interests, it seemed
as though a recurring theme kept arising, that which involved
"animals and art".
In
my search to unite my two passions, "Art With A Conscience"
has come forth, and I arise with a newly awakened endeavor (see
Creation of a Theme or My
Vision for more information).
As
I retain a fascination with colors and paint, together with my
love for animals I offer contemporary, colorful and creative combinations
of the two. In an effort to create a gentler and safer world for
animals and people, a portion of the proceeds of my compositions
are donated to rescue shelters, wildlife funds, conservation and/or
environmental groups, or other humane organizations.
After
many years in a corporate environment I have decided to follow
my inner voice. I choose to express emotion through artistic impressions,
educate and drive positive action via the spoken word and give
back to those who have enriched my life and opened my heart!
*To
read about an animal case of neglect (Jake The Wonder Dog), please
click here: http://www.liznicholas.com/donation.html
