Vanished

Some years ago, I painted a series of pastels on paper that portrayed the extinction of some of the animals on our planet at the hands of man.

The series, Vanished from the Pattern, was one that still resonates with me today.  I recently unearthed some photos of a few of these pieces and scanned them for this blog.  While I apologize for the quality of the images, there is no apology for my concern that this slaughter continues daily.

Carolina Parakeet
Vanished from the Pattern Series
2004  Extinct  1914
© Win Dinn

 The day I completed the painting just below, a news announcement indicated there had been a sighting of the American Ivory-Billed Woodpecker in the southern U.S., which made me hope that all was not lost for this bird.  Unfortunately, in spite of a large reward for confirmation, there is, as yet, no proof  that it lives on.

American Ivory-Billed Woodpecker
Vanished from the Pattern Series
2004  Extinct  1972 - 74
© Win Dinn

The loss of Lonesome George this year was a painful one.  All attempts to find a compatible mate were unsuccessful.

Abington Island Tortoise
Vanished from the Pattern Series
2004  Extinct  1957
Last tortoise, 'Lonesome George' died in 2012
© Win Dinn

 It is sad to think that in all cases, these animals were clubbed, shot, hunted and haunted from existence on our planet.

Caribbean Monk Seal
Vanished from the Pattern Series
2004  Extinct  1952
© Win Dinn

 This bird, endemic to waters off the coast of eastern Canada, was clubbed to death for sport and food, until all were gone.

The Great Auk
Vanished from the Pattern Series
2004  Extinct 1844
© Win Dinn

I am grateful for all organizations that work to protect our remaining species.

Balinese Tiger
Vanished from the Pattern Series
2004  Extinct 1937
© Win Dinn

 I look forward to the day when we all recognize that every living thing on this planet is sentient, irreplaceable and necessary to the pattern or our life.

Passenger Pigeon
Vanished From the Pattern Series
2004  Extinct 1914
© Win Dinn

  Each loss (now in the hundreds) represents one more way in which we will be unable to connect with life.

Rodriguez Island Day Gecko
Vanished from the Pattern Series
2004  Extinct 1920
© Win Dinn

 No matter whether scaled, feathered, furred or shelled, each species is necessary to the environmental cycle of life.

Round Island Boa
Vanished from the Pattern Series
2004  Extinct  1980
© Win Dinn

 So today, I'm asking you to do whatever you can, however you can to support those who are working to protect and care for the animals of this planet.

Sea Mink
Vanished from the Pattern Series
2004  Extinct 1880
© Win Dinn

Their lives will be made easier, as will yours and mine.