Ever since I was a small child at a time where today’s distractions of computer games and electronic media barely existed, I relished in the simple activities of drawing and riding my bicycle. Over the years my love for these pass times has grown and developed to the point of my drawing now being my career and my riding is something that I do consistently every week, not only for my physical health but also to enhance my spiritual experience, that I believe is reflected in my drawings. When I ride my bike I see so much to value and appreciate about this amazing world we live in.
When I was young I drew just about anything but as a teen and adult I was pulled towards drawing wildlife – wildlife is my passion and my mission for being an artist. That passion for wildlife has led to such wonderful opportunities and experiences where I have met equally passionate and dedicated people devoted to the cause of preserving wildlife and their habitat. One of these people is Dr Bayu Wirayudha, the founding director of Friends of the National Parks Foundation in Indonesia. FNPF is a local non-profit organization working to preserve Indonesia’s wildlife – particularly orangutans – and its habitat for her people and for the world.
After donating some artwork to FNPF Bayu invited me to visit the park and see for myself his tireless work and that of his volunteers, particularly with orangutans. Stirred by the plight of the orangutans losing their habitat because of deforestation I returned to Australia, eager to raise funds for FNPF. The thought of a gruelling 300km plus ride was the trigger.
As a youngster and having flat feet I was pretty hopeless at sport and never got chosen for any teams, yet as I grew older and started taking responsibility for my health, the thought of bike riding again grew on me. I loved riding so much that eventually I bought a racing bike and decided to join a local cycling club. Even though I had no talent for racing I still enjoyed competing in long distance events purely for the sheer joy and sense of achievement in completing the distance. Now that sense of competition against myself will be challenged in the United Ride For Wildlife where I will be riding the furthest I ever have in my life over two days from Canberra to Sydney. This time it’s different, not only am I competing against myself but I will be riding for a very important cause!
Even though I constantly hear of the devastating and appalling things that are happening to wildlife all over the world, this has not led me into despair but has inspired me to take action, striving to make a difference no matter how I do it; and despite being a rather shy and reserved person I realize that sometimes you just have to ‘put yourself out there.’ Like the saying goes, ‘feel the fear and do it anyway!’
I am eternally grateful for the journey of my life, particularly my childhood where the pursuits of drawing and bike riding has led me to the United Ride for Wildlife challenge where I have the opportunity to unleash even more of my potential.
I hope I inspire others to make a difference in their own unique way and to realize that all creatures, whether they are great or small, are all connected in this amazing world we live in.
To make a tax deductible donation for FNPF through Humane Society international’s Projects Program please click hear: http://hsi.org.au/donate
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