A Voice for Animals in Need - Illustration as reportage

A research trip to tell the story of the animals fight against the overwhelming impact of humans on their lives through drawing. Travelling with my sketchbook to work as a volunteer with the wildlife rescue charity WFFT, which is at the epicenter of the devastating effects of wildlife trafficking. I learnt the stories of the animals and told them through drawings disseminated through social channels.

The human impact on the planet is devastating (WWF 2018), with a 60% decline in species since the 1970’s. This is mainly due to habitat loss, poaching and trafficking.

This followed on from a project exploring human and non-human animals within illustration and how this effects conservation. As well as a collaborative exhibition this summer with Professor Tanya Wyatt on Wildlife Trafficking which was exhibited alongside Picasso, Hirst and Warhol.

The trip also involved visiting the animal markets in Bangkok, where a substantial range of species were bought and sold. Drawings were created to highlight this trade hidden in plain view. I also spent some time researching in the Khao Sam Roi Yot national park where many animals are captured to be trafficked. I tracked and hiked to find animals living in the wild.

A drawing an research trip to highlight issues with wild, captured and rescued animals in Thailand.

The drawings received a huge response and generated discussion and awareness in both Western and Eastern cultures.