Luna
Luna is a 7” all white screech owl that was rescued by Peace River Wildlife Center (PRWC) when he was just a nestling in 2013. He was found on the ground. We don’t know if he fell from the nest, was kicked out because of his stark white appearance or was taken by a predator then dropped. Whatever the case, he was taken to PRWC, where they raised him. Typically the wildlife center returns birds and animals to their natural habitat, but Luna is different. He is leucistic, meaning he lacks the cells that give him color. This is an extremely rare condition. Screech owls are usually brown and gray in color, which is excellent camouflage against predators. Luna wouldn’t have stood a chance in the wild, but at the Wildlife Center, he is one of their treasured Ambassadors.
Peace River Wildlife Center (PRWC) is a non-profit wildlife rehabilitation and education center located in Punta Gorda, Florida. Their mission: “to contribute to the survival of native Florida wildlife through rescue, rehabilitation and education.” Their facility is open to the public (check out their website for details) and is a great place to visit for all ages.
I feel so fortunate to have partnered up with PRWC to create some works of art from the beautiful creatures they have rescued. Because of the true miracle that is Luna, I felt compelled to paint him first. Click on this link to check out the full story of Luna, including a video of a guest appearance he made on Fox4 News.
The project started with a photo session, and I took many fabulous pictures of Luna, but this shot of him looking up and away (seen above) was my favorite. This tiny titan is barely seven inches tall, but to match his personality I felt it was important to create an image that was larger than life. The original canvas I used is 40 x 30” making Luna almost five times as large as he is. Using the photo as my guide, I put together my signature paper mosaic collage which pays homage to this sweet bird as well as those that rescue and care for him. Each square is a different collage piece and most images are barely recognizable, but I did keep some secret messages in there including “a story of hope… PRWC… treasured rescue heroes have Angel’s powers of luck and protection… appreciate its demands…teamwork.”
When I create these unique paintings I really do feel a connection with the subject and Luna has been no exception. He is a big part of our community and very recognizable. The painting has been on display at the Visual Arts Center in Punta Gorda, where I volunteer. When people see the painting I can hear them down the hallway saying, “Looo-nahhh!” How sweet is that?!
Prints are available at Peace River Wildlife Center and the Visual Arts Center in Punta Gorda and the Arts for ACT gallery in Fort Myers. Everybody needs a little Luna in their life!