Raptors

The Pacific North West is famous for its ancient, rugged and fertile “old growth” forests. These forests have thrived on hundreds of thousands of years, and are filled with flora and fauna not found anywhere else in the world.

Sadly, by 1986, 80% of these forests were wiped out by greedy, billion dollar logging companies. National activists fought tirelessly against these companies, by any means necessary. There were a few wars won, but many battles lost.

After many years of corrupt officials, bought out news outlets, and crooked judges, activists were fatigued. They needed a weapon. A game-changing element to cease this heedless consumption - which they found: the elusive, tiny spotted owl of the old growth.

The activists argued since the owl was endangered, the lands where it nested were therefore protected. With this, the activists achieved legal victory, and forced the logging companies to stand down. This act of bravery saved countless thousands of acres of old growth from blind obliteration.

In Eugene, Oregon, the story of the spotted owl lives close to the hearts of the aging public that once stood at the front lines of the Timber Wars. There, by the entrace of a local, longtime bookstore, is my mural Raptors.

The focal subject of Raptors is the hero of this story: the spotted owl. What’s more - a flourishing spotted owl family. Nestled in their mossy, towering giants of the old growth, the family reads together - of what, we do not know. Surely something of history, fantasy, and maybe hopeful efforts towards lofty causes.

My original reference painting, gifted to the owner of the shop.

The mural was completed in 2 parts - 4 weeks total. It covers a wall of 15x17 feet, Acrylic, and weather durable.