Lobo Reincarnated

This film’s release date is in the memory of Sgt Anton Mzimba. This is the most important conservation film of this century.

An insatiable demand for rhino horn, and a population terrorized by organized crime syndicates, fuel a violent rhino poaching war in South Africa. RHINO MAN is the inspirational story of the field rangers who step up to protect our wildlife. Featuring Anton Mzimba, an incorruptible ranger who sacrifices all for the cause.

Sgt Anton Mzimba was a true hero, and an inspiration, an uncommon man amongst uncommon men. May he rest in peace. We owe a debt of gratitude to him and the fellow rangers like him who buy us time and put their lives on the line daily to protect the world’s natural heritage and endangered species. Thank you for your service. He was a real life hero.

The film is out now (26 July 2024) on AppleTV, GooglePlay and YouTube; also Vimeo on Demand and Amazon Prime. I implore you to watch this powerful film, and be inspired by Sgt Anton’s vision for the future.

Would you risk your life to save a species?

www.rhinomanthemovie.org

The Rhino Man the movie theatrical premiere at the Empire Room of Deliotte at the Rockefeller Center in Manhattan, New York, June 18th, 2024.

With Sgt Orlat Ndlovu, head of ranger services at Timbavati PNR and Sgt Leitah Mkhabela of Black Mambas Anti-Poaching Unit, Ruben and Marianne De Kock and film directors John Jurko II and Matt Lindenberg

With thanks to John, Miriam and Slav and the team for having me! And again a massive thanks to the rangers Sgt Leitah and Sgt Orlat for their incredible work out in the field, and to John and Matt for telling their stories in such a truthful and powerful manner.

The film Rhino man will be available worldwide on Amazon Prime, AppleTV and others come July 26th in memory of the late Sgt Anton Mzimba. This film is incredibly moving and I cannot wait to see the impact it has on the world! See the trailer here: https://lnkd.in/g6Bv6ivU

As an artist, especially being a painter, we rarely get to see in person the impact of our work on others as it usually occurs well after we’ve gone, most often well after we've passed. Seeing the reactions of Sgt Leitah and Sgt Orlat to the portrait of the late Sgt Anton Mzimba that night was really special and meant a lot to me; as well as seeing the reactions of legendary ranger trainers and friends of the late Sgt Anton; Ruben and Marianne De Kock. It really makes what I do worthwhile, and I cannot thank Sgt Orlat and Sgt Leitah enough for their indomitable courage and service in what they do, risking their lives daily to protect the worlds last rhinos, elephants and endangered species.

I would like to thank John Jurko II for reaching out, doing this painting was truly my pleasure and aligns with why I became an artist in the first place. I can't wait for the world to see this powerful film that truly tells the story and sacrifice that these brave men and women go through daily to protect our wild places. They truly deserve all the support they can get. And thanks to Matt Lindenberg and John for taking the rangers story to the big screen so the world can finally see the work that they do.

This piece will find its home in the late Sgt Anton’s office at the Timbavati PNR which is now Sgt Orlat’s Office. And the Sudan the Rhino toy was a gift for Sgt Leitah.

For those interested in the Sudan Rhino toy, 10% of all profits goes towards Dogs 4 Wildlife’s mission of training and supplying anti poaching K9s and can be found here https://lnkd.in/g8rDiyGq

For more information about the movie, visit Rhinomanthemovie.org

March 4th - Save the Date! My painting is going to be exhibited as part of the presentations which also happens to be on my birthday!!

United Nations World Wildlife Day - Project Anton Event

#Scotiabank is proud to participate alongside other Project Anton stakeholders in this FINTRAC hosted event. Details below;

As part of their participation in Project Anton, an international public-private partnership to combat the laundering of the proceeds of the illegal wildlife trade, FINTRAC (FIU Canada) wishes to extend an invite to your organization, and all other relevant colleagues, to mark the United Nations World Wildlife Day with a live event on Monday, March 4, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. ET.

This event will feature presentations from practitioners representing multiple jurisdictions who are actively involved in combatting the illegal wildlife trade and the illicit financial activities that fuel it. Planned speakers are from a variety of organizations, including Scotiabank, United for Wildlife @unitedforwildlife, the Global Conservation Corps @theglobalconservationcorps, the Wildlife Justice Commission, and many more!

Project Anton is led by Scotiabank in Canada and supported by The Royal Foundation’s United for Wildlife network, which was founded by Prince William, FINTRAC, AUSTRAC’s Fintel Alliance in Australia, the South African Anti-Money Laundering Integrated Task Force, the United Kingdom Financial Intelligence Unit, Western Union and numerous other government, law enforcement and non-governmental organizations in Canada and around the world with unique knowledge, expertise and tools in combatting illegal wildlife trade.

You can register for the event here - Project Anton Event for UN World Wildlife Day (office.com)

We look forward to seeing you there!

Update: Registration link:

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=kOUwcCw5vUGlc4-kj4Fa_fNhuxs0g01JosopvhVgbypUNFdGSlozQkFJOFRFVFcxMjQ2NkYyS1UwMC4u&fbclid=IwAR0KRN2SOZdgq1xKd5LuIDQ4IneSOMBEYHYbOh5K4eyjxd-Qky5AsS3j8KM

This week my painting “Honor Him” was exhibited at the Rhino Man @rhinomanthemovie film premiere in Colorado for the Colorado Environmental Film Festival on Friday the 23rd of February at 7:30pm.

It was also exhibited at the United for Wildlife @unitedforwildlife Conference in the Everglades in Miami last week, which brought together the North American and Latin American chapters of the organization.

It is currently touring the states with the films director @johnjurko and will be in Boulder, Colorado next for the Boulder International Film Festival from February 29th - March 3rd. It will be at the in person Talk back panel on March 2nd at 10am.

Don’t miss out on a chance to see this incredibly powerful and moving film, and hear from the director himself at the panel discussion. In memory of the late Sgt Anton Mzimba and the rangers who risk their lives on the frontline in this war against rhino poaching, this film and social impact campaign is a must see, really excited for you all to be able to watch it in due time!

Where: Grace Commons
1820 15th Street, Boulder CO
March 2, 2024, 10:00 - 11:45 AM MST

Really excited to have this touring with the Rhino Man team and can’t wait for you all to see this incredibly powerful, inspiring film in due time!!

Huge thanks to @johnjurko for bringing the painting along to each screening it’s truly appreciated!!

courtesy of John Jurko II and United for Wildlife

This trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming for the Exhibition at the National Museum of Wildlife Art was amazing, K9 Angel we did it! I know you’d be proud.

Really honoured to have been selected for this museum and would like to thank the Curators Julia Spencer and Heather McMordie for it, and Dr Lucy Spelman for the opportunity and hospitality. Thanks to the other artist Brenna and her mum for the lifts, and to Snow King resort for their hospitality and complimentary rooms. The panel discussion was really powerful and it was great meeting and hearing from the other artists and panelists about their ideas and work; I'll share some video snippets shortly. Wyoming is really inspiring and would like to thank the museum staff, Creature Conserve and everyone that came to view the exhibit and panel!

The National Museum of Wildlife Art, founded in 1987, is built into a hillside overlooking the National Elk Refuge and features work by prominent artists such as Andy Warhol, Rembrandt, and Pablo Picasso to name a few. The Museum received the designation “National Museum of Wildlife Art of the United States” by order of Congress in 2008.

Holding more than 5,000 artworks, the museum’s collection chronicles much of the history of wildlife in art from 2500 B.C.E. to the present. More than 85,000 people visit every year, and over 10,000 children visit the museum each year, often as part of their school curricula.

This 5 month long major exhibition was curated by Heather McMordie, Arts Curator at Creature Conserve and Julia Spencer, Associate Curator of Education and Outreach at the National Museum of Wildlife Art.
Creature Conserve partnered with the National Museum of Wildlife Art to present "Re-Imagining Conservation: From Many Viewpoints". This exhibition, which featured two of my artworks and also included works from 31 artists from nine different countries, takes a broad look at the future of conservation. The artworks included imagine a future where conservation action is multidisciplinary, inclusive and connected.

It’s an honour to have my two pieces, which were painted in 2016 & commemorate the lives of rangers who died protecting Elephants & Rhinos, exhibited in such a major exhibition in such a prestigious institution.

I did these paintings with K9 Angel by my side, we painted them in Los Angeles, & then finished the rhino in Santa Fe, New Mexico whilst training K9 Angel with ADW for ADI accreditation. K9 Angel & me first exhibited them at the Defenders of Wildlife Southwest office opening thanks to Laura Mae Eaton. Then we both flew to Miami to present them to the public for the first time during Art Basel together. K9 Angel & I got to present these same paintings on the TEDxYouth Stage in South Dakota in 2017. We always presented these paintings together as a team. To have them at the National Museum of Wildlife Art for a major exhibition meant a lot to me; I know she’s watching this proud & smiling; we were working for this.

I’m excited to present this project which has been over 12 months in the making! A 1:6 scale art collectable modelled after Sudan the last male Northern White Rhino, which has been hand drawn and designed by the artist Nayana Rathmalgoda.

10% of the sale of each art collectable in the ENDANGERED Collection goes towards Dogs 4 Wildlife's mission of training and donating anti-poaching dogs to Sub Saharan Africa in the fight against the illegal Wildlife Trade, dedicated to the loving memory of my Service K9 Angel. With 15 operational dogs across 4 Southern African countries, the Dogs 4 Wildlife K9’s help to achieve up to a 75% reduction in poaching numbers!

Each piece comes with a numbered and hand signed Certificate of Authenticity and information booklet. Each piece in this collection is an individual artistic piece that will become a collectable investment in the future.

Sudan was born in Shambe, in what is today, South Sudan in 1973 and is believed to be the last northern white rhino born in the wild. Sudan was the last male Northern White rhino left in the world, and he lived under 24/7 armoured guard in Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. He passed away peacefully next to his handlers on the 19th of March 2018, marking the end of an era and possibly the end of the subspecies.

"I hope this art collectible can put the context of this extinction crisis in the public's psyche by individualizing each rhino and creating an emotional connection to their plight through Sudan's tragic story, and make them feel proud that they are contributing to the protection of rhinos via the percentage of profits that goes towards frontline conservation through Dogs4Wildlife." - Nayana Rathmalgoda

Specifications: Size: 41cm x 25cm x 50cm (Human figures not included) Suitable for all ages

Available at : www.loboreincarnated.com

Proud to announce that my portrait of the late Sgt Anton Mzimba, featured in the @rhinomanthemovie, was selected as a finalist in the 2023 Richeson75 Figure/Portrait International Art Competition!!!

I would like to send my thanks to @johnjurko for commissioning this piece and trusting me with creative freedom for it, truly appreciate it John!

I hope this is just the first of many for this portrait and I hope it does it’s part to share Sgt Anton Mzimba’s powerful story to the world; and help spread awareness of the selfless work that Rangers perform on a daily basis.

I can’t wait for the world to see the powerful film @rhinomanthemovie which features Sgt Anton Mzimba in due time!!

‘Honor Him’ will be exhibited at the premiere of RHINO MAN The Movie at Jackson Wild on the 25th of September, opens 7:30 pm in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, USA 

This painting has been a difficult one to get a proper digital photo of and really needs to be seen in person, so looking forward to sharing this piece in person with the @rhinomanthemovie team and those that attend the summit/screening!

From @jacksonwildorg :

Join us at the Jackson Wild Summit on Monday, September 25 at 7:30 for a pre-release screening of RHINO MAN The Movie, followed by a conversation with the filmmakers and rangers. This screening is generously presented by Global Conservation Corps. See you there! 

RHINO MAN is a true story about the courageous field rangers who risk their lives every day to protect South Africa's rhinos from being poached to extinction.

If you haven't registered for the Summit yet, it's not too late - head to this website to secure your spot:

jacksonwild.org/attend

The exhibition is officially open at National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, Wyoming!

It’s an honor to have my two pieces, which were painted in 2016 and commemorate the lives of rangers who died protecting Elephants and Rhinos, exhibited in such a major exhibition in such a prestigious institution. It greatly expands the reach of the message which these works convey to an annual audience of over 85,000 people.

These works have a storied history of creation which I will be sharing more of throughout the duration of this exhibition. I did these paintings with my Service K9 Angel by my side and I know she would be immensely proud of how far these works have come since we first created them in Los Angeles, California and Santa Fe, New Mexico. I exhibited them for the first time with K9 Angel by my side in 2016 and those are experiences I cherish forever; it really means a lot to have these works progress to such a major exhibition.

I would like to thank the curators Heather McMordie @hlmcmo and Julia Spencer for selecting my works for this show.

The exhibition is on view from July 1st - November 12th 2023.

For more information please visit:

https://creatureconserve.com/reimagining-conservation-from-many-viewpoints

https://www.wildlifeart.org

Join us as we celebrate the opening of Re-Imagining Conservation! This exhibition, which includes works from 31 artists from nine different countries, takes a broad look at the future of conservation. Several of the featured artists will be in attendance to discuss their work. Local printmaker and participating artist, Ava Reynolds will be doing two live art demonstrations, one at 5:30 p.m. and one at 6:15 p.m. with an associated art activity—creating climate change collages. We will be layering linoleum block printing techniques with collage materials; including maps, images of climate research and conservation initiatives. This workshop is an opportunity to channel your emotions about the climate crisis through a creative outlet, whether what you’re feeling is outrage or optimism.

Attendees can also enjoy free alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

June 6th 2023

I would like to formally invite you to the Re-Imagining Conservation: From Many Viewpoints Opening Reception.

Creature Conserve has partnered with the National Museum of Wildlife Art to present "Re-Imagining Conservation: From Many Viewpoints".

This exhibition, which features two of my artworks and also includes works from 31 artists from nine different countries, takes a broad look at the future of conservation. The artworks included here imagine a future where conservation action is multidisciplinary, inclusive and connected. It asks viewers to consider: What IF we imagine conservation from all perspectives? What new futures might we find when we change our point of view?

Come Thursday, June 29 from 5-7pm CT for the Opening Reception with a cash bar at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, USA.

Exhibition on view July 1 - November 12, 2023

More details to come…

For more information, visit

wildlifeart.org

creatureconserve.com/reimagining-conservation-from-many-viewpoints

March 1st 2023

I’m excited to announce that my works have been selected for a major juried exhibition titled Reimagining Conservation to be held at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, USA in partnership with Creature Conserve.

The 5 month long major exhibition is curated by Heather McMordie, Arts Curator at Creature Conserve and Julia Spencer, Associate Curator of Education and Outreach at the National Museum of Wildlife Art. The show will be on display from the 1st of July 2023 and run until the 13th of November 2023. The exhibition will be accompanied by a variety of public programs, both in person and virtual, local, national and international, to extend the reach of the exhibition.

The National Museum of Wildlife Art, founded in 1987, is built into a hillside overlooking the National Elk Refuge and features work by prominent artists such as Andy Warhol, Rembrandt, and Pablo Picasso to name a few. The Museum received the designation “National Museum of Wildlife Art of the United States” by order of Congress in 2008.

“Artists have always been interpreters of our time. Through their eyes, the science of saving species and the importance of taking a one-health approach to conservation becomes accessible, meaningful, and relevant - and, the source of positive change.”

- Dr Lucy Spelman, founder of Creature Conserve

For more information, visit

wildlifeart.org

creatureconserve.com 

October - November 3rd 2022

Dia de Los Muertos 2022

K9 Angel’s ADW Class of 2017 fellow graduate K9 Henry in front of the Ofrenda celebrating deceased loved ones in the CASA Chaves county Office @casa.chaves in New Mexico throughout October and into the Dia de los Muertos celebrations. A huge thank you to Natasha Yvette Sing for including K9 Angel again in this years Ofrenda, this is a beautiful tradition that really means a lot to us. This year saw K9 Henry lose his big sister K9 Emma who is at the top of the Ofrenda, my sincerest condolences to Natasha and family.

April 21st 2021

The Beaty Biodiversity Museum at UBC in Vancouver on Thursday, April 21 had the special Nocturnal 5-8pm. Showing of Takaya: Lone Wolf, an award winning Nature of Things documentary, Q&A with filmmaker and author Cheryl Alexander, plus a special exhibit of artifacts from Takaya’s life and a display of photography and tribute art that artists from around the world have created in honour of this remarkable wolf. Book signing with Takaya’s paw print available. All proceeds donated to conservation nonprofits. "Ballad of Takaya" was featured at this special exhibit!

NOVEMBER  2020

Selected and featured as an artist for another curated virtual group exhibition by the AKC Museum of the Dog in New York.

K9 Angel's portrait was featured and shared across all the AKC Museum of the Dog's social media platforms (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook) for its virtual exhibition titled Autumn Art Showcase.

Thank you so much to all the artists who participated in the #AutumnArtShowcase! We are so grateful to have such a community of talented artists, with such a diverse range of style. Once again, a huge thanks to:

Terri Cournoyer
Jess Frost
Anita Baarns
Sandrine Engle
Hannah Stahl
Tammy Wade
Sandi Atkinson
Andrea Leonard
Nayana Rathmalgoda
Karen Seltzer
Linda K. Evans
Pam Coblyn
Rita Hendricks
Holly H. Banks
Karen Spidle
Karen Miura
Dr. Laura Palmer
Joseph Bushman
Gabriela Mendez

November 9th 2020

Hey guys this year I’m participating in #wildauction2020 with a limited edition print of my piece “Ballad of Takaya” on auction on November 9th.

Head over to @friendsofpacificwild in an hour or so where I’ll be doing an instagram takeover at 8am-11am AEST.

50% of proceeds of the sale of my piece will support Pacific Wilds 2021 campaigns including stopping the BC Wolf cull and buying up trophy hunting licenses to prevent wolves being hunted when the season opens up.

“Over 110 artists from around the world have come together to donate works to our annual fall event, #WildAuction2020. These artists are committed to conservation in their daily practices, and have created pieces designed to bring Pacific Wild’s conservation campaigns into homes and offices and give comfort to us all during Covid-19’s intensity and need to stay close to home.

The auction runs from November 9-12 online in our dedicated auction site only. You do not need to be on social media to bid. Last year you said you wanted bigger pieces… this year there are sculptures, jewelry and large pieces and values run right up to $22,000! Artists will be donating a significant portion or the entirety of the proceeds to Pacific Wild. (We have an ethic that says artists should not be asked to participate for free).

It’s a fantastic way to support Pacific Wild’s campaigns, conservation-minded artists and bring beauty into your home this winter.”

October 24th 2020

Featured in the curated in person/live group exhibition held in conjuction with Eagle Feather Gallery titled "The Takaya Lone Wolf International Arts Festival" in Victoria, British Columbia. 2 new works were shown, both oil paintings see below.

AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 7TH 2020

Selected and featured as an artist for the curated virtual group exhibition by the AKC Museum of the Dog in New York.

K9 Angel's portraits were featured and shared across all the AKC Museum of the Dog's social media platforms (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook) for its virtual exhibition titled Dog Days of Summer.

Thank you so much to all the artists that participated in Dog Days of Summer 2020!! We were so excited to share the artwork created by our talented community members in this virtual exhibition. Want to participate in the next artist showcase? Keep an eye out for more opportunities like this one on our website and social pages!

Thank you again to our featured artists: Michaela Soto, Marcelo Rochá, Elizabeth Mason, Karen Kratosky Spidle, Brad Robertson, Jacqueline Whitcomb, Gabriele Kolb, Natahnee Miller, Steff, Paul Matzner, Joyce Danko, Nayana Rathmalgoda, Lizzie Malvicini,and Michele Ports Gargiulo 

November 2nd 2019

Dia de Muertos, New Mexico

I wanted to lead into it with this photo from the Ofrenda, given what K9 Angel did on this date when we were in New Mexico. These following images are deeply moving, and are a beautiful, touching visual of a deeply moving celebration. This ceremony in New Mexico was curated and created by Natasha Yvette Sing @nysing at the CASA Dogs venue for Dia de Muertos, at the Eastern New Mexico Fairgrounds.

These photos were taken by @ashleyvernonphotography for CASA at the event.

This service was amazing, Angel would have loved it, especially being honoured alongside fellow Working Service K9s by Working Service K9s And their handlers, of whom the organiser was a fellow graduate in Angel’s Class of 2017. She would have loved this, thank you sincerely Natasha  and K9 Henry @nysing

Also to be held in New Mexico given the significance of this place for our team makes this even more special 

#diademuertos

I Miss You Blood, I Love You, I know you saw this 

REST IN POWER

MY SERVICE K9 ANGEL
Eternally yours and only yours

Semper fidelis

I M M O R T A L S

W O L F G A N G

Dia de Muertos, November 2nd 2019, New Mexico

K9 Angel on the Ofrenda alongside two other late ADW Service K9s, K9 Cooper and K9 Duvall.

The Fox toy was her favourite toy she got in Santa Fe New Mexico; she got a lot of toys but the size and ergonomic playability of this Fox tug with the squeaky quickly became her fave. And that’s her exact face when she sees a new toy, with the smile and her eyes going big to show the whites, she’s switching into high drive. Alongside is the Kong Wubba which was her fave toy since she was a baby puppy. Thank you so much Natasha @nysing for adding these details to her Ofrenda it really makes it special and was truly appreciated. K9 Angel would have loved this, she love love loved her toys, even more than food.

An Ofrenda is a collection of objects that hold close meaning to the lost loved one placed in ritual display during the annual Dia De Muertos celebration, it is intended to welcome them to the altar setting.

This is a tradition originating with the Aztecs. Aztec culture considered souls to continuously live and enter different realms when a body would die, essentially the eternal soul. The Ofrenda is presented to commemorate the souls of loved ones, with a three tier setting, the second tier in which things are placed to encourage the dead to feel at home and welcome, as shown here.

K9 Angel would have loved this, especially as she’s being honoured and invited alongside other late Working K9s, together as a pack. This is a beautiful ceremony that these K9 heroes deserve.

The Ofrenda dedicated to late Working K9s, My Baby K9 Angel, alongside K9 Cooper the Golden Retriever loved by @hopemh7 and K9 Duvall the Black Labrador from Louisiana.

The Ofrenda is a central component of Dia de Muertos, honouring loved ones and celebrating their lives.

Every Ofrenda also includes the four elements: water, wind, earth and fire.

Water is left in the bowl for the spirit to quench their thirst. Papel picado, or traditional paper banners, seen hanging above, represent the wind. Earth is represented by food, seen here by the treats. The candles represent the fourth and final element, fire.

The colourful spotted paper also symbolizes the joy of meeting those who have now departed. It is associated with the festive spirit, the celebration of their lives.

This is exactly how K9 Angel would have wanted to be honoured, alongside her fellow Working K9 peers, and for this to be organised by her fellow class of 2017 grad Natasha @nysing and K9 Henry really made this personal.

She would’ve loved this, she was super proud of her vest and whenever she put it on she was filled with purpose, she took her job to heart and lived and died by the Working K9 Oath word for word.

There is no greater, purer or deeper bond than that between a Service K9 and her/his handler, we’re together 24/7. I travelled the world with my Blood, our lives depended on each other daily. She’s saved my life multiple times over.

To be honoured this way, and for it to be in New Mexico as well, means a lot to both of us as a team.

This is a beautiful ceremony that these K9 Heroes deserve.

 K9 Angel’s class of 2017 fellow grad K9 Henry (yellow lab) and K9 Hamlet (black lab) by the Ofrenda

Just look at K9 Henry’s eyes. The emotion in his face, the mournful expression, it’s extremely powerful. With K9 Hamlet to match

From his handler Natasha @nysing :

“Anytime they’re in a new place or especially when around each other they act like straight clowns, but here they were like this the whole time..”

I’ve seen this only once before. This body language and behaviour is exactly how K9 Angel was when we went to the ranch in Currumpaw, New Mexico, where they had Lobo’s skin hanging up. There were deer outside, all around the cabin, & Angel’s normally bouncing off the walls with prey drive at the sight of that or from deer being right outside the door like that. But as soon as We entered the cabin holding his pelt she just became flat, depressed in behaviour and extremely solemn, it was incredibly eerie, it gave me chills.

It’s exactly the expressions and body language shown again by these K9s beside the Ofrenda, an incredibly moving, and powerful moment captured on film.

This is exactly how K9 Angel would have wanted to be honoured, alongside her fellow Working K9 peers, and by her fellow Working K9 peers; she took her job to heart. K9 Angel lived the Working K9 Oath word for word, she deserved this and would have loved this. It’s incredibly moving, and having her fellow K9s there is something she would have loved, something that made this event extremely powerful.

And for this to be organised by her fellow class of 2017 grad Natasha @nysing and K9 Henry really made this personal

She would have loved this, I can’t say that enough

K9 Zia by the Ofrenda for late Working K9s, My Baby K9 Angel along with K9 Cooper and K9 Duvall

What really struck me was the marked solemn mood of the K9s in attendence, they showed a very distinct depression of behaviour and body language, a mournful eerie expression, that’s seen clearly in their eyes and faces in these photos; and even more so in their behaviour at the Ofrenda.

From Natasha @nysing :

“Zia’s handler went to go do something and pretty much forgot she was there by the Ofrenda, and that dog would normally jump at the chance to go look in a trash can or sniff and we were all freaking out because she stayed right there by it perfectly still.”

Calaveritas de azucar, or sugar skulls, along with toys are left on the altar, here is the raccoon version of K9 Angel’s fave fox toy she loved in Santa Fe. She is surrounded by cempasuchils, a type of yellow marigold flower native to Mexico. With their strong scent and vibrant color the petals are said to lead the spirit to the altar to come celebrate.

This ceremony is to remember and celebrate the lives of departed loved one.
This festival is a deeply moving tribute to the departed, and the next few images of the K9s in attendance at the Ofrenda paying their respects are incredibly moving, capturing the emotional impact of this ceremony intensely..

This ceremony in New Mexico was curated and created by Natasha @nysing at the CASA Dogs venue for Dia de Muertos. Again thank you so much for this Natasha  These photos were taken by @ashleyvernonphotography

Thank you sincerely Natasha for your hard work and talent for putting this together

Image From the left: K9 Angel’s class of 2017 fellow grads Natasha @nysing and K9 Henry

K9 Zia, captured here literally looking at K9 Angel’s photo on the alter, with her handler Carrie-Leigh.

K9 Hamlet in the red bandana with his handler, And K9 Oliver with his handler.

December 2018

Last Kings Logo debut at Rolling Loud Los Angeles 2018

September 2018

Last Kings Records Logo - Saint Michael the Archangel

This drawing has a special significance and meaning to me due to its timing. This was the first thing I drew after being discharged from hospital following the brain haemorrhage I received after the car crash that I lost my beloved K9 Angel in 2018. The day I was discharged, literally the day before K9 Angel’s funeral service, my brother Eric Rishard @ericrishard called me, unbeknownst to him what had happened as he knew K9 Angel personally, and he asked me to draw this Angel.

I didn’t know about Saint Michael the Archangel at all before this, and as I was in the shock and crisis of losing My Angel, I didn’t really dwell into reading up about him and his significance. However I told my bro what had just happened and he was the first person outside my immediate family to know, I know K9 Angel would’ve wanted it that way as she loved Eric like family. He was part of her pack.

I drew the top half of Saint Michael the day before K9 Angel’s funeral and sent it to Eric; he consoled me the best he could during the funeral drive and then we had K9 Angel’s funeral in Sydney with Buddhist monks giving their blessing to her during the service.

Once I got back from K9 Angel’s funeral, I finished the full drawing of Saint Michael, and then sent it to Eric to design into this logo for Last Kings Records.

Only then did I do research about Saint Michael the Archangel, & it sent a shiver down my spine. Saint Michael is said to come to you in times of crisis, & lord knows I was in a crisis having just lost my Service K9 Angel, my real life Angel.

Archangel Michael is the only angel who is mentioned by name in all three of the major sacred texts of the world's religions that place the most emphasis on angels: the Torah (Judaism), the Bible (Christianity), & the Qur'an (Islam).

Doing this drawing in the darkest moment of my life really bought me back, it provided me with hope & reassurance that My Guardian K9 Angel is always watching over me & will never leave my side. There’s a lot written about Saint Michael & how he appears and when, this was quite literal & direct in a crisis moment & as such this logo has great meaning to me.

06 August 2018 EOW

K9 Angel

A Hero never dies

My Blanca

My Soulmate

My Guardian Angel

My Hero

Rest In Power My Blood

My Service K9 Angel

15th July 2010 - EOW 6th August 2018

God sent me an Angel from the Heavens above

No Man Seperate What We Create

Dogs for Life And in Death

I M M O R T A L S

W O L F G A N G

K9 Angel's funeral service

K9 Angel's Buddhist Almsgiving

April 20th 2018

TEDxTalk goes live on youtube!

2017

October 11th - 14th, 2017.

Rapid City, South Dakota. USA

It was an honor to share the stage with such talented, revolutionary and intelligent individuals, was deeply moved and inspired by their stories and wouldn't have picked anywhere else in the world to give my first Tedx talk, Angel and I are sincerely grateful for the opportunity, Thank you.

And Thank you Cindy Dunne and Autumn White Eyes for the preparatory process. And Thank you Andres Gallardo for putting me on!

✊

@indigenestudios @angelwhiteeyes

Rapid City, South Dakota

I M M O R T A L S

W O L F G A N G

Angel during rehearsals, October 12th, Photo Credit - Angel White Eyes

Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, strike like a thunderbolt.

The Art of War

Sun Tzu

I M M O R T A L S

Immediately after we completed our speech on stage, October 14th, 2017

May 19th 2017  

K9 Angel's Graduation Ceremony in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Angel's Graduation Video onstage during the Assistance Dogs of the West Graduation Ceremony at James A Little Theatre on Tuesday night.

Our blessings and congratulations to the rest of the Class of 2017 

Let's Celebrate our 2017 ADW Graduate Angel via @assistancedogs

Angel is part of our owner self training program. Training your own service dog is an in-depth process requiring discipline but offers immense rewards. We are proud to graduate her and owner Nayana from our program and wish them all the best in Australia.

Congratulations Class of 2017

#adwsantafe #adwgraduation

I M M O R T A L S

W O L F G A N G

BTS photos from the making of our graduation acceptance speech video

January 2017

Long Island, New YorkUSA

December 2016

"Look at my arm, I've got goosebumps from seeing those (paintings), legit goosebumps...."

November 12, 2016

The iceberg that sunk the Titanic....

Even though it all went wrong, I stand before the lord of song with nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah....

Defenders of Wildlife Southwest Office Opening - Private Solo Exhibition

FEATURES NEWEST WORK

October 28th 2016

JULY - AUGUST 2016

Upcoming in July

April 2016

Finalist in the UN | CITES World Wildlife Day 2016 competition 

Was the youngest finalist and the only Australian artist finalised out of 300 entries....

Raise the frequency of our generation, we deserve better

Also.... Jhene Aiko liked my entry ;)

_____________________________________

January 2016

2015

THE MESSAGE ART SHOW, 

The Message 
June 27th 6pm - 8pm

138 Sullivan St, New York

An Art show of paintings and poetry which address various social justice issues or have an underlying theme or meaning. Curated by @_iamacreative_ 

APRIL 2015

K9 Angel and I did podcasts before podcasts became a mainstream thing. Watch one of them here circa 2015 and freshly landed in LA. With thanks to Foster Corder for having us on multiple times, hope all is well Foster! Joined the CWAP team and guest Zach Skow in the studio in Los Angeles. 

2014

Critically acclaimed Finalist in the David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year competition and exhibition in Mall galleries in London.

2010

Critically acclaimed Finalist in the Waterhouse Natural History Art Prize, the largest and most prestigious Natural History Art Prize in Australia which draws both national and international applicants, with a prize pool of $50000. Selected and hung at the exhibition at the South Australian Museum.

National Threatened Species Day                                                     

7th September 2000

Kids have their say! Hands on for Habitat Awards National Threatened Species Day

Children's Quotes from the National Poster Competition

A bilby is one of my favourite threatened species because he's a cute little thing and needs protecting so he doesn't become extinct. He lives in Australia in the bush but is very hard to find as they are very timid.

Zak Hardinge, Kingston QLD

These wallabies [yellow-footed rock wallaby] are endangered because of predation by foxes and competition with feral goats, which eat its food and sometimes force it out of its home. By losing the yellow-footed rock wallaby we are losing one of the outback's precious jewels.

Nayana Rathmalgoda, 11 years,  Palmerston ACT

I like the Australian Numbat because it has a nice complexion with white stripes

Danielle Glenister

My favourite threatened species is the Kowari. I like the Kowari because it's a quite, small, peaceful animal.

Belinda Joyce Daley

My favourite species is the blue whale and it is a beautiful and harmless animal.

Braydon Smith

My favourite species is the Regent Honey Eater. It is my favourite because it has beautiful feathers.

Alice Bopf, QLD

It would be terrible to think that this adorable little animal (bilby) one-day might not be seen in the Australian bush again.

Gemma Ripper, 11 years, NSW

It's a new millennium, lets start afresh....help save the animals!!

Hamish Townsend, NSW

Past and Future events being updated soon...