All Musings
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So the recent Godwit Days festival in Arcata, CA exposed me to some awesome people. I got to meet deeply invested conservators and birdwatchers that truly care about their environment and their community. It was humbling, in some ways, to see the personal commitment of these people who share their time helping to improve the world around them.
I also got to meet others who were simply there for fun, enjoying and supporting the efforts of the many participating non-profit organizations. The bread-and-butter folks who engage and appreciate the work of so many others, validating their endeavors. These were the people who made the whole festival worth it--the ones for whom the conference was made. These were the retirees, the students, and the average Joe Shmoe who appreciate the natural world around them, marveling at its magic, and who ensure that the world so many others are trying to protect is actively enjoyed.
It was wonderful.
And at one point, a person from a nearby table promoting the plight of the Western Snowy Plover, asked if I had a Plover card.
And I didn't. But now I do.
The Western Snowy Plover has become one of my favorite birds. Its tiny size is remarkable, and it's easy to see how they're officially classified as "Threatened". They have an unusual breeding process where the male protects the hatchlings after they're born to teach them how to find and eat food (bugs) as the mother goes off to seek another mate. They hide in their nests among sandy drifts, debris, and grasses, merely the size of pingpong balls, until finally flying a month later.
The encroachment of man on beach fronts has been problematic, completely wrecking their habitat with garbage, pets, and transport. Natural predators have multiplied as well as they're also pushed out of their own natural environments. It has been a slow unfolding disaster for these little ones.
And they're barely holding on.
All this I learned when researching the Snowy Plover to make my art piece. And I'm glad I did!
This piece was made live on my livestream which you can find here: https://makertube.net/w/xcC8a9REy3GYNx7GYzjmUm
I've embedded the speedpaint below, which you can watch. I'm excited to offer it as a new greeting card and limited edition print, as well!
Card: https://coreyartusimagery.com/products/western-snowy-plover-greeting-card
Print: https://coreyartusimagery.com/products/western-snowy-plover-11x17-limited-edition-print
I am really proud of this image. I'm using it to make a new Art Nouveau styled image that has been incredibly challenging to conceptualize, but it's coming together and I am happy with where it's going. I'll share that in the future!
Until then, I hope this happy little Plover finds a way into your heart!