Nature as our inspiration
By Massimo Alba
I’ve always looked at the animal world with a sense of endless admiration and infinite respect. However, I’ve never loved the animated, anthropomorphic view of animals. I’ve always seen them as extraordinarily interesting creatures precisely because of everything that differentiates them from us humans, rather than perceiving them as projections of ourselves, as bizarre humans in disguise. For me animals are proud, noble and mysterious. Their sensibility, intelligence and wisdom differs from that of humans, being far removed from ours and therefore even more fascinating.
I love their nobility, the impenetrability of their thoughts. They seem to possess secret knowledge about nature, other animals and life that is impossible for most people to imagine (this is why, ever since I was a child, I have always had so much admiration for scientists, ethologists, experts on the world of animals and those who have devoted their entire lives to habitat conservation).
The fragility of their habitats is a constant cause of concern for me. I have always thought that protecting the chosen career brings me into daily contact with a theme central to my work: beauty and its fragility.
This is why, when I saw the watercolour work of a young artist called Clementina, I wanted to work with her.
Together we have come up with the idea of linking our project to African Parks, a non-profit association that protects and conserves parks in Africa and for which she is a Young Ambassador.
Our partnership has led to the creation of handkerchiefs and stoles dedicated to African animals and part of the proceeds from the sales will go to the association. A small yet positive gesture to express my ‒ and our ‒ profound gratitude for everything that animals represent for us.
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