Bio Almost all of her work consists of depicting animals. Her work as a printmaker and painter champions the equality of all animals on this planet. She works in a style she calls "animal expressionism," which does not fall within the boundaries of wildlife art. Rather than representing animals realistically or illustratively, she captures their essence, personality, and activity in an expressionistic manner, using simple visual words. Recently, her prints have taken on an appearance, which calls to mind the cave paintings in Europe. Part of the proceeds from every sale is donated to wildlife preservation and animal rescue organizations. Animals appear to her. Right now, it's the horse, the wolf, the coyote and the raven. She works with her own video footage and photographs. After sketching and studying the animal's anatomy, she is moved by a particular pose, which becomes the focal point for a new monotype or painting. She's visited wolf habitats in several countries and has access to areas where horses, deer, fox, bobcat, and coyotes reside. She takes photos of the big cats in habitat havens. Ravens, hawks and owls populate the cliffs she walks upon near the Pacific coast. Further inspiration are the myths and tales of her French childhood, which often feature the raven and the fox, such as those found in the work of Jean de La Fontaine. You can visit her work at www.netwiz.net/~rkincaid/art4 plan. Reflection This project gave me the opportunity to think in an extrapolated manner, to work with the big picture, as opposed to concentrating on the individual animal and the details each has. It also became clear that I wanted to work in a very illustrative manner, quite different from my current style of work. The first mask I painted was a disappointment but pointed me in the direction that felt right. So I painted over this first attempt and began my second journey into the universe of possibilities the mask now held. I discovered the unknown, the cosmos and was surprised at how right it felt to continue with this theme until it represented to me, my creatre or Mon Dieu. Mon Dieu! In time I realized the first mask could be seen under the second, but that didn't bother me, as it represented the stars. Second attempts at anything are always built upon the results of the first. There are no mistakes just opportunities for discovery. Thank you for the opportunity to contribute my work to the just and compassionate cause you so valiantly support.