Tuesday 6 March 2012

self portrait and gorillas

Sunday was an overcast and rainy day so I declared it a jammie day for myself.
I never used to be a jammie day person but I'm a changed woman.
Jammies are SO comfy!
Week 9 - 52 weeks of ME 2012 project

After watching a video of an amazing chance encounter with wild mountain gorillas recently, I felt inspired to sketch one. I loved the movie, 'Gorillas in the Mist' which was about Dian Fossey, an American zoologist/scientist who studied and protected groups of wild mountain gorillas from poachers in the mountain forests of Rwanda. She did this for 18 years until sadly, she was murdered in 1985, it is assumed by poachers. The gorilla fund organisation she had originally set up continues the fight to protect the wild mountain gorillas that she loved so much.

The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International


Reference image is credited to lisilk at WetCanvas.



And the video footage I found on Sandy's blog that inspired my sketch.
I got goosebumps watching it.
Amazing stuff!


Our task must be to free ourselves from the prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.
--- Albert Einstein

~ Love, light and peace ~

19 comments:

  1. Your sketches are always so awesome! I tried to draw some cats (cartoon type was fine) but they all looked like bears first and then rabbits or rats. Must keep on practising. :D

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  2. My favourite actress did a fabulous job in that movie - they are a cause close to her heart.

    The chopping off of hands is one of the cruelest atrocities poachers can commit.

    On a brighter note, I love the eyes you've given your gorilla - such depth and meaning behind them.

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  3. Sometimes you need a day like that! :)

    I admire those people who do what they can to protect animals from poachers...

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  4. Wow Serena. I am amazed at this video. Wow!! I too felt the chills and it makes me wonder about these beautiful creatures. I love gorillas and their observant ways. Excellent post and beautiful journal page Serena. I'm still tingling from the video, it was great. Take care dear, have a wonderful day.

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  5. Wow! Exciting, thrilling, and scary all at once! Wow! What a video!

    I loved Gorillas In The Mist. Such a shame with all the poachers. I just watched a show on PBS about the rhinos and how they sedate them, cut off their horns, and leave them to bleed to death! Why not just kill them and not leave them to die in misery? I just don't understand humans sometimes.

    You do the most beautiful work, Serena! You captured the gorilla and put life in his eyes. I so admire you as an artist. Wonderful job! :):)

    I have to say, feeling crummy day in and day out can turn anyone into a pajama person--LOL! Or, in my case, a nightgown person. ;) *love and hugs* xoxo

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  6. That was such a great movie. Dian Fossey did a lot to help the mountain gorillas but more needs to be done to protect all living creatures. We share this earth for a reason. It's sad that so many people don't understand that.

    Jammie days are my favorites! I have them quite frequently.

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  7. i think i have those same pj bottoms lol

    great sketch of the gorilla :) I've seen them in zoos and even then they are impressive to see in front of you

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  8. I loved that movie, too. But I realize after being reminded about how Dian met her death that I was so saddened by that it wasn't possible for me to happily read more about gorillas. Your picture, however, gives me so much hope and happiness about them. Thank you. And jammies are cool...

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  9. Serena,

    Your sketches always take my breath away. Just gorgeous! I love the bright colors in your home too.

    Happy Wednesday~
    Jane

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  10. Your sketch is wonderful! Makes me want to try it.

    I loved that video!

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  11. Why not wear something comfy to relax in...?
    A. E. knew a thing or two didn't he:) ?
    I really like your pages and now I will try and rustle up the courage to watch the video...I am rather anxious about what might be held within.
    Have a good week:)
    xxx

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  12. Hi Serena, it's my bedtime, so I am gonna have to come back and watch the video tomorrow when our weekend begins and I will finally have some time on my hands. I don't know how some days/weeks just get away from me so quickly. Your sketches are always so beautiful! I hope you are well and having a great week. Best wishes, Tammy

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  13. Serena, I had so enjoyed this movie (Gorillas in the mist) years ago. Your painting of the gorilla is wonderful. You made me want to find that film and watch it again. THANK YOU. xoxo

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  14. Uganda has been high on my to-go-to list ever since I first saw the movie. I cry everytime, and I don't cry at movies.

    Lovely sketch Serena.

    Keep well

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  15. Great post, Mum!

    As you know, I love wearing my jammies and I agree, they are very comfy!

    Great gorilla sketch also! I like gorillas, I really want to see Gorillas In The Mist movie after reading all this! That video is also amazing, I really loved watching it!

    Love Brad!
    xoxo

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  16. I'm definitely a 'jammie person....been one for years....and before that...sexy lingerie/nightie person....hahahhah....how times have changed.....

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  18. I read the book 'The Gorillas in the Mist'. I liked it very much.

    Check out my review .

    Cheers!

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