Sandee Ewasiuk’s newest work concentrate on wildlife beneath menace

“Like many individuals, I really feel a kinship with animals,” Sandee Ewasiuk says. “They’re so very good in methods which might be nonetheless being found. And for probably the most half they appear to have the ability to exist in the identical world collectively. We will positively study quite a bit from them.”

This respect underlies the priority she feels for the various species dwelling within the shadow of extinction.

“We’re dropping these superb creatures shortly via no fault of their very own.”

So Ewasiuk, a Hamilton artist, artwork instructor and educator, has launched into Endangered and Threatened Species of Canada, a collection of work that she hopes will draw consideration to wildlife beneath menace. To date she has completed six items and plans to spend a 12 months making extra.

“This collection has been brewing someplace in my head for over a 12 months now,” she tells me. “My preliminary thought was to journey throughout Canada in our VW camper and analysis endangered species and the way they’re affected by local weather change and different components. The street journey didn’t pan out, not as of but anyway, however after I heard the newest analysis on endangered species in Canada, I knew I needed to start portray the collection.”

Ewasiuk has used her work to develop social consciousness earlier than — and he or she has over time been profitable in elevating cash via her artwork for numerous causes. She raised cash for Australia’s largest wildlife rescue group after bushfires in 2020 killed or displaced 3 billion animals and birds. And final 12 months she donated to Crimson Cross for Ukraine. Twenty 5 per cent of the proceeds from the sale of this newest collection will go to World Wildlife Fund Canada.

Ewasiuk works in a method that’s distinctively her personal. She lets her figures, whether or not human, animal or avian, take centre stage. Line and color compete for consideration. She begins with black and white sketches which evolve when she paints. The smallest of particulars improve the story.

Her tales and moments are impressed by the world we all know nicely. However she typically pushes the boundaries of what’s anticipated and predictable.

In “Staying Afloat,” one of many greater work, as an example, there are 5 creatures recognized to Canadians. A Newfoundland pine marten, a polar bear with a cub and a woodland caribou crowd onto an ice floe within the good blue sea. A peregrine falcon sits on the caribou’s antlers. Level taken: house for wildlife is shrinking.

Then there’s the particular person in entrance of a hut with a tiny chimney.

“I feel the determine represents myself and the various others who really feel that very same kinship with animals and wish to exist beside them of their world,” says Ewasiuk.

“The rabbit jacket represents a method of making an attempt to suit into that world. The snowshoes are quiet and unobtrusive. And the telescope is about being on guard as a protector, however on the identical time looking for solutions.’’

A human in just a little boat watches six exuberant whales encircling it in “Rudderless.” The whales characterize 5 species that she says are endangered.

Birds determine prominently in Ewasiuk’s repertoire. Two birds soar one above the opposite in “Barn Swallows.” They’re linked by a crimson ribbon they maintain of their beaks. Two crimson hearts under them appear virtually heart-breaking.

In one other work, an Acadian flycatcher sits in her rigorously constructed nest amongst timber. If the timber disappear, what occurs to her?

“We’ve had quite a few pets over time, largely canines, and plenty of birds,” Ewasiuk remembers. “I spotted that a few of my inspiration and concepts are positively influenced by my mother and father.

“Years in the past they retired to a big nation property the place one among my dad’s many hobbies was discovering methods to assist repopulate the world with birds and waterfowl that had been in danger. Japanese bluebirds, for instance, nested on the property for so long as I can keep in mind.

“My dad isn’t with us any extra so I suppose I’ve determined to hold on in my very own method.”

Sandee Ewasiuk

Endangered and Threatened Species of Canada

Contact: sewasiuk@sympatico.ca

Fb: Sandee Ewasiuk

Instagram: sewasiukfineart

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