Abby Richard - 2022

Artist Statement

For my project, I originally wanted to do a chalk mural on my personal chalkboard. However, it became clear that the individual details of the species I wanted to portray were going to be difficult to represent with chalk. Instead, I opted to draw them out on the Procreate app. Each species portrait is composed of multiple layers: a sketch, color grading, and texture. I did some research on the WWF website to look for species in the Amazon Rainforest, or surrounding region, that are critically endangered due to deforestation. I’m fascinated by how easy it is for people to destroy the home of someone else. I felt like drawing these species would help cement them in my mind as creatures that deserve to be protected and thought of. And it worked! I will always remember these three species now and where they are native and what their endangered status is.