Breach for the Stars

A fairy is among us! 

A fairy tern chick, that is. Known as manu-o-kū in Hawaiian, fairy terns are native to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, including Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Unlike most seabirds, fairy terns lay their eggs directly onto a surface like a tree branch or cliff ledge, rather than building a traditional nest! When the chicks hatch, they use their sturdy claws to grip onto the surface, which helps them weather even the strongest winds and storms.

(Photo: Koa Matsuoka) 

“One day the absurdity of the almost universal human belief in the slavery of other animals will be palpable.”

Sources+more info: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

What is the point of mounting something like this sad, gross, proof that you will end a beautiful life for no good reason…. 

when you could frame you up a trophy like the photo below !? 

1) Hunting for food

2) Hunting for study (if it’s an answer you absolutely cannot get from capture/ observation/ carcasses)

3) Hunting for environmental health (keeping exploding populations under control or exterminating destructive invasive species)

They cared about their children, their children’s interests, and wanted the kids to always be true to themselves. How peculiar!

Gomez and Morticia never showed negative jealousy towards each other’s past love interests. Even going to far as complimenting them for being special to their true love.  How bizarre!

They could forgive almost any character flaw in a friend or relative. The only thing that could not be forgiven was betrayals and pastels. Weird amirite?

Morticia is a woman’s woman. She allies herself with other women instead of competing with them. She even seeks to understand women different from herself and her beliefs. Strange.

Japan starts killing whales again after 30 years ignoring the world’s fury

Lucy Thornton - July 1, 2019

Japan has restarted commercial whaling after 31 years to worldwide dismay and fury. Five ships packed with harpoons arrived back with catches today, which included two Minke whales. One of the whales caught was more than eight metres long and taken off the vessel to a warehouse. The whaling ships have a permit to catch 227 minke, Bryde’s and sei whales this year in Japanese waters.

Yoshifumi Kai, head of the Japan Small-Type Whaling Association, said: “My heart is overflowing with happiness, and I’m deeply moved. People have hunted whales for more than 400 years in my hometown.”

One whaler said before setting off: “I’m a bit nervous but happy that we can start whaling.

“I don’t think young people know how to cook and eat whale meat any more. I want more people try to taste it at least once.”

But conservationists and activists, in the UK and worldwide, were left horrified by the further bloodshed. Nicola Beynon, of the Humane Society International, accused Japan of a “new and shocking era of pirate whaling, adding: “This is a sad day for whale protection globally.” While in the UK, the WDC (Whale and Dolphin Conservation), said the move was “bizarre”.

Acrylic Pet Portrait Commissions: OPEN

What I need to paint your furry (or feathery, or scaley) friend:

-at least 1 decent quality picture of your animal. It does not have to be a professional quality photo, but i need to be able to clearly see markings and the animal’s face. If possible, photos where you can see individual hairs/scales/feathers on the animals face are preferred (modern smart phones can take images like this no problem!). Additional pictures are great as it gives a few different pose options! If you do not have high quality images, you can still send me some for a quote and I can let you know if I can work with your images (I’m pretty comfortable making LQ images work, it’s just extra work!)

-any background colour preferences. I can do multiple colours too (as seen on the medicine wheel cat above!)

Prices (in CAD.. current exchange rate is 1 CAD= $0.75 USD but this is subject to change)

8X10 inches: $55.00 unframed, + shipping (varies by region). Additional animals $15.00 each. 

9X12 inches: $60.00 unframed, + shipping, additional animals $15.00 each 

*11X14 inches: $75.00 unframed, + shipping, additional animals $20.00 each (canvas only)

Square Paintings 

6X6 inches: $40.00 unframed+ shipping, additional animals $10.00 each

8X8 inches $50.00 unframed + shipping, additional animals $15.00 each

12X12 inches: $65.00 unframed + shipping, additional animals $20.00 each

Round Paintings 

*12 inch diameter: $65.00 unframed + shipping. Additional animals $15.00 each (painted on upcycled vinyl records)

Custom sizes available, DM me the details for a quote!

*All paintings except those marked with * you have choice of wooden panel or canvas. Base price is the same either surface, however shipping wooden panels is usually more expensive as they’re heavier than canvases. 

What I paint: 

I paint any animal species! I have the most experience painting cats and dogs, though I’ve painted a wide variety of species. I can also do wildlife! Head/body/bust shot is entirely dependent on the photo reference you provide and how it will fit the dimensions you choose. Head/bust shots are more detailed. I will not paint anything NSFW or violent.

What you get for your money: 

-depending on how many images you send me, I’ll send 1-3 sketches of your animal that I think best fit the dimensions for you to choose from. These are mostly to show layout, and will NOT be detailed. 

-after approving a sketch, you’ll get a full colour (or black and white if preferred) painting of your animal. You’ll be updated on progress as I work, and your final painting will be shipped to you. Paintings are shipped via Canada post, and you will get a tracking number if you are outside of Canada. These will NOT be insured unless you opt to pay for that, meaning if it is lost you will not be reimbursed. Because of the sizes and weights of some of these, larger paintings can be quite pricey to ship! 8X10s are about $20.00 CAD to ship to the US, and based on sizes this can go up and down. Shipping within Canada is cheaper.

-My paintings are all done on gesso’d artists panels OR on gesso’d stretched canvas, or gesso’d vinyl records. I use archival, lightfast paints (a variety of brands!) so your paintings will not fade. I also seal vinyl records with a satin clear coat, as the paint is slightly more prone to scratching due to the surface. 

Your patience is greatly appreciated. I pride myself on a fast turnaround, but I am also a full time student with a part time job so if I get an influx of commissions, it can slow me down. I do keep my customers updated on any delays, and typically I ship paintings out in 1-2 weeks after ordered!

Quick note about my style:

I typically outline my paintings with black acrylic, and add highlights in white. My paintings are more colourful (think pop art?). I can tone this down upon request, and ditch outlines (see the snake above!) but I prefer not to!

Payment: 

Payment is done via paypal family and friends or interac etransfer. 

That’s it! To commission me, contact me here via DM’s or email me @ [email protected] 

All commissions are subject to reviewal and I reserve the right to refuse any. Prices subject to future change. 

There’s another pod of 70+ wild bottlenose in the cove at Taiji tonight, all because China needs to fill their tanks with dolphins. And SeaWorld is collaborating.

“We are delighted to engage with SeaWorld to bring this iconic, world-class family entertainment brand to China. SeaWorld’s commitment to inspiring guests to protect animals and our oceans is increasingly relevant to people all around the world,” said Yoshikazu Maruyama, President of Zhonghong Group’s American operation.