This picture has several meanings to me. As those of you who have seen my New Year's greeting for 2002 ([link]) may have noticed, the picture for 2004 is inspired by the first image's atmosphere and colors. I wanted this to be ethereal, spiritual and inspiring.

The orcas are there for a special reason; one of the things I'm most happy and proud of for 2003. Though I am a poor little starving artist, at the beginning of last year I decided I could still spare a handful of money every month, and so I decided to support the World Wildlife Fund, WWF ([link]) and their Orca Project.

The research being done in this project is partly to better understand and preserve these amazing animals, but also to study them as the predators on top of the food chain, getting important information about the state of the world's oceans - solid, scientific information enough to actually bring about changes.

I know my little contribution may not in itself make a great difference, but at least when I grieve the state of the earth today, it makes me feel so much better knowing that I'm doing something, doing my little part to change it.
If more people did, things might soon look very different on this little blue planet we all call home. Better, for one thing.

Inspired yet?

Image © silvestris (me). May not be used in any way without my permission!
Media used: Corel Photopaint 9, Wacom tablet.