I chose to paint an illustration I had drawn earlier but did not paint — until now.

One of my hopes for my creative practice is to make art that contributes to wildlife conservation. It’s something I care deeply about.

I’ll admit, I’ve felt some hesitation in sharing the animals I draw. They carry a certain wildness — they’re not exactly “cute,” and that’s made me second-guess them at times.

But this is the style that’s emerged through my practice, and today I’m choosing to embrace that wildness — as a reflection of the animals themselves, and of my own voice as an artist.

I hope this is the beginning of more wildlife- centered work to come.

This artwork was made during Our Planet Week 2025.