WORLD ELEPHANT DAY

For World Elephant Day on 12th August, I’d like to share with you the work of a lovely young artist called Letitia Cookson who I met a few years ago. She has put a little art journal together, all about the life and personalities of nature’s most iconic species.

She’s aiming to help raise awareness for elephant conservation by offering a perceptive insight into the lives of wild elephants. Her drawings and paintings capture the essence of these magnificent creatures and her portrayal of each character is closely observed.

Tish’s stunning collection of artwork was created after months of sitting in the back of a Land Rover studying elephants in the wild as a Save the Elephants intern. Her portfolio is a charming insight into the life of elephants from Samburu, Kenya. Each piece is a memoir and uncovers a scene, elephant trait or personality; from the cheek of playful juveniles, to the solemnity of an aged bull, a vista of reconvening herds, or portrait of the tenderness shown between a mother and her calf.

She hopes to raise awareness for elephant conservation through her work. She believes that capturing the complexity, strength, and compassion of elephants on canvas will encourage more people to make emotional connections with the animal kingdom, and in doing so motivate them to help protect it.

“Be it their extraordinary intellect, strength or compassion, we can all relate to elephants in some way and in realising this are more likely to support their conservation.” – Tish Cookson

Alongside the portfolio, Tish has published an art journal that provides context to each piece. It includes personal diary notes and “captures so perfectly the essence of these magnificent creatures that one feels completely immersed in their world.” – Saba Douglas-Hamilton, Save the Elephants

Original artwork, journals and limited-edition prints are now available from TishArtGallery on Etsy, with 10% of all profits being donated to Save the Elephants: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TishArtGallery

Tish Cookson has spent many years studying animals in the wild – originally for science, now, to communicate the beauty and complexities of life on our planet. She has completed digital illustrations and fine art commissions for various organisations including Save the Elephants, and now works as an Engagement Officer for Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust.