Undying Tales: Endangered Creatures & Mythology is about highlighting endangered species from around the world,
and the mythologies and legends that humanity has woven through time around these creatures. We are inextricably
linked to the natural world, both in our physical being, as well as mentally in the tales we tell and that have lasted
through the centuries.
The project started in October 2019 with an art challenge daily-drawing list, but I hope to turn it into an ongoing event with official daily prompt lists each October, but also occasional mini lists throughout the year. I invite any artist to join me in this celebration of nature in using these prompt lists, and hashtag #undyingtales |
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I will be creating one ink drawing for each of these creatures in February (one per week!) 100% profit from the sale of the five original drawings will go various environmental charities. -click here- for the list of charities that Undying Tales supports. Contact stephlaw@gmail.com if you are interested in purchasing one of the available originals, or to let me know if you want to be put on the daily mailing notification that will be sent out when each drawing is done, or for future Undying Tales drawings. |
Southern Brown BandicootHighlighted species: Isoodon obesulus obesulus The ancestor of the bandicoots was a being named Karora. In the beginning, there was only darkness and night, and Karora slept in the basin of a waterless soak. In the soil above his head there were red flowers and grasses and a sacred pole. As Karora lay there, dreaming and thinking, wishing and desiring, bandicoots sprang from his navel and armpits, streaming forth as the first day broke and the sun rose into the sky. Karora burst through the crust of land, and water from honeysuckle buds filled the soak. He was hungry and so he seized two of the bandicoots and cooked and ate them. When he fell asleep that night, a bullroarer emerged from his armpit and when Karora awoke, the bullroarer grew into a young man. This son of Karora danced with him, in the first ceremony.
Leaf-Scaled SeasnakeStatus: Critically Endangered Highlighted species: Aipysurus foliosquama Range:Endemic to Ashmore Reef and Hibernia Reef NW coast of Australia Rainbow Serpent was the name given in 1926 by an anthropologist Professor Alfred Radcliffe-Brown, to a common myth and ancient motif that is shared by many Aboriginal Australian sub-cultures. It is an enormous snake who lives within the deepest waterholes of Australia's waterways, and descended from a greater being who resides in the Milky Way and marked by a dark streak among the stars. A rainbow arcing across the sky is the Rainbow Serpent moving from one waterhole to the next. The Rainbow Serpent is a creator and life-bringer, because of the association of water, essence of life, but also can be destruction when angered, and is responsible for both regenerative rains, as well as storms and floods. Before the time of creation, the Rainbow Serpent slumbered in the earth, and upon awakening pushed to the surface, creating mountains and valleys.
Southern Emu-WrenStatus:Critically Endangered Highlighted species: Stipiturus malachurus halmaturinus Range: Southern Australia The Oozlum bird is a Legendary bird of Australian and British folktales. It is a quirky creature who for vanity's sake, flies backwards in order to admire its own tail beautiful feathers. A side benefit of flying backwards is that it can see where it has been with much more clarity, though it doesn't know where it is going. If startled however, it takes off in a spiral of circles until disappearing completely.
Richmond Birdwing ButterflyStatus: Vulnerable Highlighted species: Ornithoptera richmondia Long ago, in the Dreamtime, when the world was young, there was no death yet. One morning Cockatoo slipped from a branch and fell on his head. The animals gathered around thinking this to be some antics, but when Cockatoo did not rise, they were puzzled. As the animals discussed, the Spirits came and took Cockatoo to the sky. The animals were even more confused by this, and at last decided that one of their number should follow into the sky to see what had befallen their friend. Caterpillar was the only one to volunteer, and so a cloud of caterpillars streamed up into the Winter sky. The animals waited and searched, but saw no sign of the caterpillars, until Spring arrived, and suddenly, transformed Caterpillars in the form of Butterflies returned to the world, bringing word that a similar transformation had come upon Cockatoo. This is why caterpillars spend the winter tucked away in coccons, waiting for the warmth of spring when they can burst forth with their wings and bright colors.
Mountain Pygmy PossumStatus: Was thought Extinct until rediscovery in 1966, but fires might have critically damaged the population Highlighted species: Burramys parvus The Possum - by Maybanke Anderson (1845 - 1927) and published in Australia Songs for Australian Children Little 'poss, pretty 'poss, much I want to know,
I've a nest, little girl, in a hollow tree,
Little 'poss, pretty 'poss, I should like to see
Little boy, little boy, if I say with you,
Little 'poss, pretty 'poss, though the trees are tall,
Little boy, see my claws, they're sharp and strong;
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