Asher Jay

Artist: Asher Jay
Title: In Tatters
Medium: Charcoal, Digital
Size: 500 X 800 pixels
Date: 2014

About the Artist: "Creative conservationist and National Geographic Emerging Explorer Asher Jay, uses groundbreaking design, multimedia arts, literature, and lectures to inspire global action to combat illegal wildlife trafficking, advance environmental issues, and promote humanitarian causes. Albeit she received an education in Fashion Design and Marketing at Parsons the New School of Design in New York, she found her way back through the arts, to her primary passion in wildlife conservation.
A staunch supporter of animal welfare, wildlife conservation and sustainable development, she found herself using her artistic prowess and writing to raise awareness through unique collaborations with scientists, non-profits and other kindred change agents. Over the years she has produced several graphic campaigns, written many poems, stories and articles, pieced together numerous collections and canvases, and spoken at various conferences, academic institutions and private salons to evoke hope and action in favor of a wild future." (asherjay.com)

Artist Statement: "Habitat loss due to mining, charcoal, and agriculture has resulted in extensive deforestation, as much as 400,000 acres a year in Tanzania alone. This is a huge problem for mega fauna, such as elephants, rhinos, and big cats that need a large expanse of land for survival. The need for charcoal is the most pronounced, as over 90% of Tanzanian households live off-grid with no access to renewable forms of energy, let alone gas or electricity. The threats unfolding in the grasslands are multifold, but the loss of essential habitat to fuel needs impelled me to create these works out of charcoal, a cheaply priced art material. The entire “Series in Red” alludes to the fact that life is interdependent, i.e. when we destroy habitat, we destroy the biodiversity it sustains, and vice versa. We either keep systems intact or we stand to lose everything." (asherjay.com)

About the Work, etc.: Jay focuses her work on the lives of more wild animals, such as big cats, elephants and rhinos, and the harm being done to them through habitat loss and illegal wildlife tracking. Working for National Geographic, she gets to travel the globe and see the suffering of these animals, and just what is causing it. Obviously, habitat loss is a big reason, but also the trafficking of the animals, often for the goods they produce. She hopes to create an impact through her work that moves people to advance preservation activities, and I feel her work does just that. It is simple, yet stunning and powerful. The boldness captures your attention and peaks your interest as well as your curiosity.