WILD WEDNESDAY: A Fabulously Flanged Friend for Fleeting February

Happiest of Wild Wednesdays to All!

With January falling by the way side, February has been able to swing into full-view! And with a lovely leap-year party looming, let's look lively as we march towards March. Hinting at what may hang on the horizon, I present fellow artist and a most perceptive pal...

Towering Yet Talented Towan, Orange Ape of Asia, Pongo pygmaeus. 

"A Longing Drawing Can't Cure: Orangutangled Dreams of Distant Canopies." Pongo pygmaeus. Marker. 2012.

Male orangutans are giants of the jungle, causing quakes that rip and ripple through the leafy tranquility of the treetops. In the wake of their sway, these massive mammals leave their air of nobility alongside a massacre of masticated fruits and nuts.

But despite the intimidating gargantuan figure, these simians can be quite sensitive. Solitary and wide-ranging habits leave these juggernauts ample time to ponder the mysteries of the universe, and perhaps even comment on the primate condition as they brachiate among branches. Towan (hailing from the jungle of Seattle) taps into his expressive side through his love of painting, making inner emotion known to the wider circle of life through bright, non-toxic colors. Moody and introverted, this dreadlocked dreamer has the soul of an artist that is often wrapped in a burlap blanket, gazing out at the world going by.

MONGREL MONDAY MEOWS MENACINGLY: Introducing the Towering Tiger of Sumatra

Happy Mongrel Monday!

It looks to be another glorious week in the land of Earth - so filled with a myriad of mongrels! Today brings the distinct pleasure of presenting the next featured wild thing... The Sumatran Tiger!

"Striped Stalker Slinks Silently: The Sumatran Tiger En Route." Panthera tigris sumatrae. 2011. Marker.

Trained to Tread

Though the dainty devourers of deer and tapir are deemed the smallest of the bunch, these Indonesian island cats certainly live up to the reputation of power and strength that humans have bestowed upon this brilliant beast for centuries. Ablaze in the water yet camouflaged in the open, tigers are masters of the stalking in stalks. Once that pair of bejeweled irises sets its sights on you, it is likely wise to change your afternoon plans. And this specific subspecies has certain swimming strengths seldom seen in its mainland counterparts; With webbed toes, the treadworthy tiger prefers to take its predominantly land-based prey out to lunch on the water, on the predator's dime.