"On Solid Rock We Stand"

Original Pastel on Museum Paper
23 x 34

The original concept for this painting was to position the Snow Pigeons in the foreground with an Egyptian Vulture soaring far above. As the piece evolved it became apparent that although my idea worked in concept, it wasn’t going to work compositionally. In June 2007 I was privileged to study these species in their natural habitat as the accompanying artist on an Artists for Conservation Flag Expedition to the Himalayas of Northern India. Snow Pigeon populations appear to be stable so are currently evaluated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as Least Concern. Sadly, just four years ago the Egyptian Vulture was also listed as Least Concern, however it has been up-listed to Endangered following a rapid population decline. This decline is due to the widespread use of the NSAID Diclofenac in veterinary medicine which enters the food chain of the vultures through the carcasses of domestic livestock resulting in deadly consequences for the vultures. It is with bitter sweet memories that I look at my painting and rejoice in the presence of the pigeons while mourning the absence of the vulture. The natural world is waiting for us with rich blessings if we recognize our co-existence with and stewardship of it. I hope viewers will be inspired to look within and to heed what creation is saying to us.