Yesterday, CNN ran a feature article on the battle to preserve Nigeria’s rainforest. The startling figure they posted was that less than 10% of the forests are still standing there.Deforestation due to logging has been a focal concern in the plight of many endangered animals that we’ve covered over the years in EcoPatterns, and there is no doubt in our minds that the current situation in Nigeria is negatively affecting countless populations of animals at risk. Of course, the primary issue is overpopulation and the growing need for land in areas. Since we cannot possibly stunt the growth of our species in any ethical manner, we must think of ways to solve this problem so we don’t dramatically wipe out the very resources and life this planet thrives on.

Famous comedian George Carlin once said there exists an abundance of land that is currently wasted on nonsense – cemeteries and golf courses. Rather than dig up a bunch of rainforests that are the heart and lifeblood of this planet – we should focus our attention and resources and get creative on how to solve overpopulation issues. Failure to do so will inevitably lead to the slow, painful extinction of another species much more familiar – ourselves.

Although it is a deeply ingrained part of some national cultures worldwide, Bullfighting is also a very sad sport that generally concludes with the killing of the bull, and sometimes of the matador. Last week, I saw a news clip of a bull jumping into the stands in Spain and attacking fans further demonstrating the very dangerous, brutal aspect of the spectacle. Now, I am not launching into an animal rights monologue or extended preaching, but honestly – get it together, people! We are living in the 21st century, yet folks are still mired in ritualistic recreations. If it were critical to the advancement or survival, health of our species, I wouldn’t be writing this. But, it’s not.

Despite our objective being focused on endangered animals, we do like to spotlight the ill-intent of human behaviour. Because we are invariably responsible for not only the continuity of our species, but the conservation of the natural world. Yes, it’s a big responsibility to shoulder. But we are an intelligent species, with high capabilities, with rapidly advancing technology and science. We can split atoms and send messages outside of our solar system – yet we still have a man in colorful regalia and dress cape, taunting, stressing and ultimately killing a defenseless animal that has no choice but to be thrust into the action. We must stop this primitive, ritualistic nonsense.

Hello all, Rich here – taking the reigns of blogging duties and all things web from my wife so she can get some long needed rest and relaxation. In the midst of this rest, she is still sketching out new ideas and working on new paintings so we’re not expecting any significant down period. We are going through a pretty challenging chapter of our lives but we are not allowing this to stunt the development and growth of our business. And as she said, I’m picking up where she’s leaving off for the time being. It is our responsibility to our loyal customers, friends and most importantly to our overall mission.

With the birth of Ecopatterns, we took on the responsibility of utilizing art and social media to raise and spread awareness about animals most folks won’t know are endangered, and to back it up with factual information. This may seem like a modest responsibility to shoulder, but we feel it is critical for the future of the planet. We feel it would be particularly sad if elephants, giraffes and even little monkeys are spoken of in the same vein as dinosaurs a few generations from now. We have an opportunity to prevent this from happening especially if the threats are coming from things we have the power to control. So I wanted to extend a big thanks to everyone who has supported our mission thus far and those that continually encourage and help us spread the good word. Without you guys, we’d accomplish so little, and for that we are incredibly grateful. We look forward to keeping up the fight.

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about the Red Panda otherwise known in some places as the original Fire Fox. Of course, I did not want to neglect actual foxes knowing that some of them are endangered as well. The Island Fox is one of them. On one island for example (Santa Rosa) there are under 14 Island Foxes left. 14?? There are more people in my 4-story brownstone where I live. This makes me sad and inspired my newest foxy painting, “Our Morning Ritual” – dedicated to all endangered foxes across the globe – including the most critically endangered Island Fox.

Another thing I wanted to say to everyone: I’m sure some of you have noticed that we’ve been available for outdoor markets less and less over the course of 2010. I just want to give my wonderful friends and supporters a quick note as to what’s going on. Lately, I’ve had to endure quite a bit medically – and have had repeated visits, tests and required rest prescribed by those monitoring me. Please rest assured that there is nothing uber-serious going on, and that everything will be ok. I am still working on new pieces and the business as we know it, is still moving forward. However, it is certainly affecting how often I can make appearances in outdoor markets and other venues. As always, please keep an eye on our twitter and facebook accounts for updates on when/where exactly we’re going to be setting up as we do have some venues lined up at the end of this summer and fall. In the meantime, my husband will be taking over most of the blog duties (on top of his web duties) as well as shipping mail orders from our online store for the next several months and he will keep you guys posted. I’m sure he’ll do a great job – so give him a chance to win you over. Thank you for your continued love, support and appreciation.