Art

Item Description

Original colored pencil on paper by T. Rutter of Arte for Elephants. Includes a certificate of authenticity and is signed by the artist.

Thyra Rutter has dedicated her life to helping elephants and through her company Arte For Elephants  has raised more than $55,000 for animal rescues! She donates one of her paintings to the Wildlife SOS auction every year, but this year she has outdone herself with this incredible painting of Raju, famous for being the elephant who cried. 

Size: 9 inches x 12 inches, original painting.

From the Artist: Raju Joy was a very personal portrait for me. I, like many people, first became aware of Raju by watching his rescue video. Seeing his spiked chains removed after decades of wearing them, and his profound expression, moved me deeply. For years I have wanted to draw Raju, but honestly felt that my skills were not up to the task. How can I do justice to this amazing soul who had suffered so much and still expressed such light joy? Fast forward to 2021 and I just knew the time was right. I had it in me to honor this amazing elephant, and his rescuers, Wildlife SOS, as he should be honored. I am extremely proud of how my humble drawing turned out and hope that Raju can enjoy many more years of happiness.

Artist Bio: Thyra is knows as the Elephant Portrait Artist

Acclaimed artist and animal activist, Thyra Rutter studied fine art at the prestigious Otis College of Fine Art and Design in Los Angeles. In 2015 she founded, Arte for Elephants to sell her art -- and photography by her husband David -- to raise money for captive elephant welfare. To date Arte for Elephants has raised more than $55,000 for worldwide animal sanctuaries. When it is not a pandemic, Thyra and David travel year round in an RV attending live events to sell art, promote humane tourism, and raise awareness to the plight of captive elephants. 

Artist Statement: After drawing nothing but elephants for the past several years, it has become apparent to me, that these beings are, in addition to being really cute, complex, emotional, sentient, intelligent beings. With each drawing or painting, I am doing my best to respect and represent that elephant as opposed to an elephant motif or decorative elephant shape.  I want to illustrate what that particular elephant is thinking, how his or her emotions are faring. I am trying to capture something of their unique, magnificent spirit with each drawing. It is a lifelong process and one I feel honored to do.

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