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Rochelle Mason
With three-quarters of the world's 36 wildcat species weighing less than 45 pounds, endangered species artist Rochelle Mason reveals the beauty of these undiscovered and undervalued felines with her newest series of paintings, entitled "Wildcats of the World." From water-loving wildcats in Southeast Asia to desert-dwellers in North Africa, many of these small wildcats have never been studied in the wild. Meanwhile, their populations are increasingly challenged with rapidly-disappearing habitats.
Whether interest lies in cats or conservation or both, the connection formed between those doing the looking and those being looked at increases the likelihood of concern for and interest in these unique wildcats. With complimentary, lively, loose backgrounds, Rochelle captures not only the cat's exquisite beauty but also its essence, emanating qualities all cat people are familiar with.
Writing a newspaper column and creating educational art series for exhibition in natural history museums around the world, Mason raises awareness about endangered species through art, with special emphasis on animals considered less-romantic and that get little public attention. This has been her mission and passion since 1990. "I strive to help people understand that these animals which share our world are trying to have a life, just like you and me", says Rochelle. Mason's paintings are collected internationally allowing her to contribute to the conservation of these beautiful wildcats by way of the Small Cat Conservation Alliance (www.smallcats.org).
1% of the profits from my work goes to support International League of Conservation Photographers.