Negra Inspires Us All

Art Month Musings #2

Many artists and creative-types have a muse – that source of inspiration that seems to come from outside of them. I often wonder what it is that inspires Jamie, who is one of the most creative chimpanzees I know.

Yesterday Jamie made this composition:

 

I am not going to claim that Negra is Jamie’s inspiration, but I will submit that Negra has been the muse for several human artists (and crafters). Case in point – four of the pieces in the Biddin’ for the Seven online art auction.

 

The Great Outdoors

Sally-Anne Ryan’s 12×12 acrylic on canvas was inspired by Negra and the newfound outdoor life that all of the chimps have been able to experience on Young’s Hill.  Negra’s history is bleak. She was stolen from her family in Africa as a infant and brought to the United States to be used in biomedical research for nearly three decades, including more than a year of complete isolation. Knowing this history, the sparkle and hope in Negra’s eyes that Sally-Anne captured in this painting is full of meaning.

Everyone at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest is lucky to have Sally-Anne as part of our expanding circle of friends “across the pond.”  She works with many animal rescue organizations, in particular chimpanzee sanctuaries. She has donated her original paintings to past auctions and even traveled to the United States and attended the sanctuary’s 2010 Out of the Box auction in Seattle. Check out her website and blog written for people who love animals: www.GretaLovesMabel.com

 

The next two art pieces are photographs chosen by volunteer and supporter Jeani Goodrich (we’re not related, as far as we know – she’s the first Goodrich outside of my family that I’ve met).

Jeani has folded many a blanket, washed many a dish, and prepared many a meal for the Cle Elum Seven. In addition to volunteering in the chimp house, she has helped with several of our events.

For the Biddin’ for the Seven auction, Jeani wanted to donate the cost of printing photos on canvas and selected two Negra photos.

 

Feet Holding Hands Holding Feet

These are Negra’s hands and feet clasped in comfort, with Jody’s finger reaching in to groom Negra’s toe. The photo was printed on an 18″ x 24″ canvas and it can be yours! Just register for the Biddin’ for the Seven art auction and start bidding on March 24th.

 

 

Negra is Beautiful

Nothing really needs to be said about the above photo on canvas, except perhaps that it is simply stunning in person. Imagine being able to see that photo on your wall every day knowing that you’ve helped give Negra so much by supporting the sanctuary.

 

Sock Chimpanzee: Negra

At last year’s Sippin’ for the Seven, we had some silly sock monkeys that were made to go over a bottle of wine. Since then, I’ve noticed that sock monkeys are everywhere, but I have yet to see a sock chimpanzee. Not one to be dissuaded, I took matters into my own hands. I found a suitable pair of socks and hand stitched my very first sock chimpanzee. The body of the plush chimp reminded me of Negra (she is my muse, after all), so I found a piece of cloth to serve as Negra’s often-present blanket worn over her head and shoulders.

Don’t forget that you’ll be able to see all of the art donations in person at Sippin’ for the Seven in Roslyn on March 24th, so get your tickets for this awesome event today (fill out the quick registration form or login when purchasing tickets).