We all have a strong affinity for and love for animals. My goal in creating these paintings is to increase public awareness of the devastating effects of the wildfires that have occurred during the last three years. The recent mega-wildfires in Australia, California, Canada, France, Greece, Spain, North Africa, and South America, as well as the wildfire in Siberia, have been fatal for billions of animals and are on the rise in 2024. Compiling images for my collage was an emotional journey, as it involved viewing distressing documents from around the world.

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  We created these two 40'' x 60'' paintings using mixed media. They depict a red tree and a scene of devastation, symbolizing two critical concerns threatening our existence: the alarming increase in wildfires and their devastating impact on wildlife  and ecosystems. My goal is to evoke a profound emotional response, urging viewers to confront the urgent need for action in the face of this environmental crisis.   

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We are moving from the Anthropocene, which is characterized by human dominance, to the Pyrocene, which is characterized by terrifying wildfires. From 2018 to 2023, California endured 43,843 fires, burning 8.7 million acres. Texas suffered 42,293 fires, scorching 1.9 million acres. Winds, flammable grasses, and climate change all played a role in the Smokehouse Creek fire. The fire spread across over 1 million acres in Texas. Wildlife has suffered immensely, with over 17 million animals lost, including slow-moving species and vulnerable young. Ecosystems face destruction, with rainforests losing 137 species daily due to logging and human activity causing significant damage in Australia's fires. The Earth's hostility toward humanity becomes increasingly evident amidst this devastation.

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These paintings are my expression of the 3 billion animals lost forever to the fire. Let's ponder this: What does biodiversity loss mean for us and the environment? I look forward to hearing your thoughts.