| ************************** |
| September 12th 2004 - Envision desert
palms lining the horizon and huge salt pans stretching as far as the eye can
see. Experience the sense of endless space where land and sky merge and you
believe you can see the curvature of the earth in the far distance. Find
yourself in the most perfect place to stargaze……and then watch as
darkness falls. We were at Jack's Camp, located in the Makgadikgadi Pans in the
Kalahari Desert in Botswana, in time to witness a total lunar eclipse.
|
Lunar eclipses
occur during a full moon when the earth lies between the moon and the sun. The
only critical element required is an unobstructed view. We were in the perfect
place at the perfect time.
In
anticipation of the event, we headed back to camp after a rare opportunity to
observe an animal unique to this area - Brown Hyena.
|
photo copyright Becci Crowe
|
photo copyright Becci
Crowe
|
Then, as the
sun dropped from the horizon with a fiery finality, darkness set in.
The full moon began to rise and off
in the distance was a flickering glow and small lights piercing the night. This
wasn't camp! Approaching the lights, we found ourselves on an immense pan with
a roaring fire and a wonderful dinner before us. In this surrealistic setting
we had a truly celestial show.
|
photo copyright Becci Crowe
As a
brightly illuminated full moon rose over us we saw the first shadow appear on
it's edge. We were mesmerized for over an hour as a circular shadow crept
across the moon's face until, ultimately, the moon was completely covered by
the earth's dark shadow. There was silence at that moment - each of us deep
within our own thoughts.
|
|
This year will see another total lunar eclipse on October 28th. Where in the
world will you be? |
| ************************** |
| August 1st 2004 - On my recent safari
to Botswana, I had the unexpected pleasure of meeting a couple who are world
renowned for their wildlife films and photography. You will likely have watched
Derek and Beverly Joubert's films on the National Geographic or Discovery
Channels. The Joubert's award winning work is the result of over 20 years of
living and filming in Africa. |
Becci with the Jouberts on location in
Botswana
|
| The Joubert's
are currently on assignment in Botswana for National Geographic and allowed me
to join them in the bush as they filmed the subjects for their latest
documentary - a female leopard and her cub. It was exciting to visit with them
and observe them in action. |
photo copyright Becci Crowe
|
Not only was I
able to observe the Joubert's at work, but I also observed and photographed the
leopards.
Since returning from Africa,
I've been working nonstop on new pieces. The new art work includes this
leopard, lots more wildlife, and tribal portraits. It will premier at
Ideation Gallery in Olympia, WA, August 20th - September 15th. If you
miss the exhibit dates you can still visit the gallery to see some of my
originals from this series. |
photo copyright Becci Crowe
|
| ************************** |
| June 27th 2004 - Journeying to a remote
corner of Botswana during my recent safari, I had an unforgettable encounter
with the San Bushmen. Bushmen are the last of the original hunter-gatherers of
Africa. I had the opportunity to witness a way of life that over centuries
adapted perfectly to raw nature. Unfortunately, their numbers dwindle and their
traditional way of life may soon be lost. |
photo copyright Becci Crowe
With bows
and poison-tipped arrows hand crafted from resources provided by nature, these
bushmen stalk their prey.
|
| Starting a fire
using fire sticks the bushmen carried with them. Creating fire this way is an
empowering experience! |
photo copyright Becci Crowe
|
photo copyright Becci Crowe |
A new
generation. What does the future hold?
Learn more about the Bushmen and see video clips and Original Art
from my recent month long journey back to Botswana at
Ideation
Gallery
Olympia, WA
360-352-4920
|
| ************************** |
| May
24 2004- Just home from 3 more weeks of adventure
in Botswana and where do I start? Each trip to Africa is planned for new
experiences. One highlight was joining a clan of Meerkats in the Kalahari
Desert. I was at their den to greet them as they emerged at dawn for their
'sunning ritual', and then followed their antics as they busily foraged for
frogs and other delicacies through out the day. At sunset, they led me to
another den to groom and socialize before entering it's safety for a well
deserved sleep. |
photo copyright Becci Crowe
|
Filming fun.
This clan of meerkats has been followed by researchers so they were comfortable
having me in close proximity. |
| These meerkats
even seemed to be posing for my drawing. |
photo copyright Becci Crowe
|
photo copyright Becci Crowe
|
photo copyright Becci Crowe
Field
Sketch
|
|
| ************************** |
April 11th 2004 - Which is the biggest
- the Black Rhino or the White Rhino? Which would you rather be confronted by
while on foot in the African bush? I can speak from personal experience.
Although the White Rhino weighs more, the Black Rhino tends to be the most
territorial and aggressive. Led by a professional guide I've had the rare
opportunity to track both on foot.
|
Tracking Black
Rhino
The day begins at first light when I
leave camp and join my Zimbabwean guide and two trackers in an open vehicle to
begin our search for the endangered Black Rhino.
While driving in a remote part of the bush where they sometimes
pass to reach water, we're in luck - Rhino tracks! The guide can 'read' the
tracks to determine how old they are and how fast the animal is moving.
|
photo copyright Becci Crowe
|
It is time to
leave the vehicle and strike out on foot. We follow the tracks, stealthily
walking downwind. Being on foot is a great equalizer in the African bush. It
felt like I had now entered the food chain.
Time passes and the trackers fan out ahead of us searching for
clues to the Rhino's movements. We remain alert to our surroundings and any
potential threats. The sun now beats down on us from high overhead.
We continue to walk. The afternoon
shadows grow deeper. It seems this Black Rhino has eluded
us.
|
photo copyright Becci Crowe
|
| Suddenly, we are
surprised to see a big male just ahead. We quietly slip into the bushes where
we can see but not be seen. But he's looking in our direction - hearing our
movement. Have we become the hunted? What an incredible moment. |
photo copyright Becci Crowe
|
************************** |
March 12th 2004 - What's your favorite
Safari animal? One of mine is rather unconventional but as amazing as they
come. It has evolved numerous biological and anatomical adaptations that make
it a supreme hunter and master of camouflage. It's distinctive shape, slow
motion movements, spring-loaded tongue, and eyes at the end of conical turrets
make it an unmistakable reptile. The continent of Africa is home to many
species.
What is it? |
photo copyright Becci Crowe
Email me the name of your favorite safari animal and I will
feature the most requested in my journal for April. Tell me now at
Becci@Becci.com.
|
| ************************** |
| February 5th 2004 - Plans are complete
for my return to Africa this spring. Anticipation of another adventure also
makes me reflect on prior safaris. I remember the first animal I saw in the
African bush was a giraffe. What an amazing animal. |
| Did you know? |
*Giraffes are the tallest mammal and males can
reach 18 feet.
*Giraffe's long necks contain the same number of
vertebrae as our own: seven. They are often found with other animals who may
rely on them as "living lookout towers".
*After 15 months in the womb, calves are born
headfirst and dropped six feet to the ground from the standing mom.
*The
newborn calf weighs close to 150 pounds and is almost 6 feet tall. It usually
stands within an hour, a vital defense against enemies. Up to 75% of calves
fall prey to lion and hyena the first year.
|
photo copyright Becci Crowe |
| *To drink, a giraffe must
either straddle or bend its forelegs. They exercise great caution at the
watering hole because of their vulnerability when bending down. |
photo copyright Becci Crowe |
 |
*The giraffes's purplish
tongue is nearly a foot and a half long.
*As vegetarians, giraffes feed
on many species of plant life, but their favorite is the acacia
tree. |
Dream It...Plan It.....Do It....
Join me for the Safari of a Life time. Travel to Africa with me
August 11th - 28th, 2005 on a Guided Safari to South Africa, Victoria Falls,
and Botswana.
18 days.... 14 Travelers.......
Booking Now! Email me or Contact The Africa Adventure Company for Complete
Details at 1-800-882-9453 |
| ************************** |
| January 1st 2004 - Although my focus
the past twelve months has centered around African wildlife and tribal
cultures, I'm keen on all wildlife. The plight of two polar bears recently
caught my attention and I dedicated the commissionned Pen & Ink I created
below to "Boris & Kenneth". |
"Boris & Kenneth"
Original Pen & Ink
copyright Becci Crowe
|
Boris &
Kenneth were among six polar bears seized by US Fish and Wildlife Agents from a
Mexican circus touring Puerto Rico. Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma, Washington
agreed to provide sanctuary for the two bears. Prior to their rescue, Boris
& Kenneth spent their lives in filthy, cramped quarters. Underweight and
diseased on arrival at the zoo, the staff has nursed them back to good health
and are integrating them into their new home. These marine mammals never
experienced a swim in their former lives, but are now taking the plunge into
the zoo's 90,000 gallon seawater pool. I had the opportunity for a personal
behind-the-scenes introduction
to each of them. |
| ************************** |
December 5th 2003 - As 2003 draws to a
close, I am busy planning adventure travels for 2004 and a new series of
original art which inevitably evolve from these trips. I am very excited to be
returning to Africa twice next year! There will be many incredible wildlife
encounters in Botswana and Zimbabwe.
My
primary goal on safari is to go as remote as possible and immerse myself in the
bush experience. Many hours are spent in close proximity to wildlife in open
4x4 vehicles and on foot with expert guides.
|
On location in the Serengeti |
"Play
Mates"
Original Pen & Ink copyright Becci Crowe |
I keep a journal, take photos and video footage, and bring all
this back to my studio to create my art and develop slide & video programs.
(Groups interested in these presentations can email me for booking
information)
|
Serengeti lion cub |
"Little Lion
King"
Original Pen & Ink copyright Becci Crowe |
| Stay tuned for more..... |
| ************************** |
| November 1st 2003 - Baby animals of all
species are engaging. While on safari in Zimbabwe I was captivated by the
antics of this baby elephant. |
A Day in the
Life
The birth of an elephant calf
is a big event for the herd. The calf becomes the center of attention,
receiving care and protection from all members. The ones that show the most
interest are the juvenile females. These females, ranging in age from two to
twelve, are often called “aunties”. They play an important role by
helping to watch out for the new baby.
|
Sniffing
photo copyright Becci Crowe |
An elephant
calf can learn about its environment through chemical and tactile information
received through its trunk. However, it takes time to acquire trunk
coordination. At first the calf may only be able to wave it around in the air,
suck on it or trip over it. |
An elephant
calf can stand and walk within a few hours of being born, but it may take up to
three months before it has conquered the motor skills to navigate the landscape
without assistance from its mother or aunties.
|
Chasing Birds
photo copyright Becci Crowe |
Playing in the Bath
photo copyright Becci Crowe
|
A female calf
will stay with the herd her entire life, creating the extended family.
|
Through
this social system, infants gain the time and experiences needed to learn
essential life skills.
|
Dusting
photo copyright Becci
Crowe
|
Here is a baby elephant's Safe Haven
(Hit your Back Button when you are ready to return to
the Artist's Journal) |
| ************************** |
| October 1st 2003 - Ongoing research
projects in several African countries are providing interesting data. My future
plans include participating in Lion Research in Botswana. |
Did you know?
photo copyright Becci Crowe |
*Lions are the only cats that are distinctly social,
living and hunting in prides.
*A pride of lions consists of a group of related
females, their dependent offspring, and a "coalition" of resident males which
joins the pride from elsewhere.
*Female cubs usually remain with the pride they
are born in.
*Male cubs are typically chased out of the pride
around 3 years of age by the adult males.
|
*Females rely on protection
from their resident males to raise their young. If a new male coalition takes
over they kill all the young cubs in their new pride to bring the females back
to reproductive readiness.
*Lion stalk their prey, moving slowly and
carefully into striking distance before making their move. The hunt itself is
likely to be a short charge and will more often fail than
succeed.
*Lions have distensible stomachs that allow them
to gorge at a carcass and then wait several days before feeding again. It is
not unusual to see lions full to the point of bursting, and looking distinctly
uncomfortable.
photo
copyright Becci Crowe |
| ************************** |
| September 6th 2003- National Geographic
Adventure Magazine's November issue will feature the 25 greatest adventure
trips in the world. Tracking Mountain Gorilla in Rwanda's Virunga Mountains is
on that list. Having just made this journey in February, the magazine
interviewed me as part of this article to find out what it was like to be so
close to these rare primates. You can see my answer and check out some more
great adventures. Look for the November issue of National
Geographic Adventure! |
| ************************** |
| August 11th 2003- Those attending my Gala Opening Night " Art of Africa" had the
opportunity for a Sneak Peek Preview. Ideation Gallery of Olympia, WA has
produced a DVD film from video highlights of my February adventures in Rwanda
and Tanzania along with selected art images inspired from this safari. The 20
minute DVD contains exciting close encounters, beautiful settings, art, music
and background narration. *You can order your own copy
here.* And don't miss the Opening night photos. |
| ************************** |
| July
15th 2003- Gorillas are
fascinating and I receive many questions about our experience in Rwanda with
the Mountain Gorillas. I was recently interviewed by Sarah J.M. Tuff from
National Geographic Adventure Magazine about our journey to Volcano National
Park in the Virunga Mountains in search of these rare
primates. |
| Did you know? |
*Typically, mountain gorillas live in groups that
contain one or two adult males (12 years or older, called silverbacks), several
younger males (called blackbacks), adult females, juveniles and infants.
*The
dominant silverback (named for the gleaming silver saddle of hair on his back)
is in charge of the group's daily travels in search of food. He also protects
the group from outside dangers.
*Mountain gorilla females can begin motherhood
around age 10, and will carry a single baby for about 8-1/2 months.
* Adult
male gorillas can reach 400 pounds and females can reach 200
pounds.
*A newborn gorilla weighs only about 4-1/2
pounds!
*When a silverback is standing upright they can be
as tall as 5 and a half feet.
*Mountain gorillas eat mostly plants like celery,
nettles, bamboo and thistles. Sometimes they find ant nests along with an
occasional worm or grub.
* Full-grown mountain gorillas can eat up to 60
pounds of vegetation a day!
|
photo copyright Becci
Crowe |
| *Mountain gorillas communicate
in a variety of ways, including facial expressions, sounds, postures and
gestures. Of course, there's the classic chest beating by male gorillas, used
to show stature, scare off opponents or even to prevent a
fight. |
| * The future of the gorillas
is most dependent on the protection and survival of the forests in which they
live, since they depend on this land for food, safety and normal activities.
But the forests are in danger from growing human populations and from civil war
in the region. |
| ************************** |
June 15th 2003- As 'Show Time' approaches
on August 8th for the
Gala Opening Night
Reception that unveils the new body of work from my February
safari to Rwanda and Tanzania, people want to know what I'm doing to get ready.
Preparations actually started months ago with Ideation Gallery in Olympia, WA
while discussing plans to spend a month in Africa. My primary goal on safari is
to go as remote as possible and immerse myself in the bush experience. Many
hours are spent observing behavior of animals in the wild and gathering
information from local guides. I keep a journal, take photos and video footage,
and bring all this back to my studio to create my art. Ideation Gallery decided
it would be a great opportunity to not only premiere new work based on this
trip, but to also share video highlights of this adventure in the
bush.
Since returning
from Africa, I've been working nonstop on new pieces. Those attending the show
will be the first to see these finely detailed drawings and paintings which
include Gorilla encounters from Rwanda, the great Beasts & Predators of the
Serengeti and images of Masai Warriers. In addition, you will be immersed in
the African continent through music and a special video show!
photo copyright Becci Crowe
Two
subjects in my show
Photos from the Opening Night
Reception
360-352-4920 |
| ************************** |
May
26th 2003- My art and wildlife travels have just taken
me to Paris where I had the opportunity to explore some of the greatest art
galleries and museums in the world. This gave me time to study the work of the
great masters and share with you an incredible technique I use today that was
actually created in the late 1800's by Master Painter Georges Seurat. It is
called 'Pointillism', a method which involves creating an image on paper dot by
dot! The shading is accomplished by varying the number of dots which means that
some pieces have millions of dots in them, and have taken hundreds of hours. It
has a beautifully unique visual effect. See for yourself
Click here
(Hit your back button when you are ready to
return to The Artist's Journal) |
| ************************** |
April 28th 2003 - I just completed the
first piece in my new Mountain Gorilla Series based on my recent adventure in
the Virunga Mountains of Rwanda. The image represents the biggest Silverback we
encountered during our four days of tracking on the steep slopes. It was great
fun to actually work on this drawing 'live' during the Olympia Arts Walk here
in Western Washington. The throngs of people who stopped during the Event to
watch this Silverback emerge were also instrumental in determining one of the
final details. As an Artist, one of the great pleasures of working live in
public is sharing the process of creation and the interaction it generates!
|
| Want to see what
they're seeing? Go to Gorilla |
| ************************** |
| April 12th 2003 - One of the special
sightings we had on our recent safari was what is known as "Big Tuskers". These
are Elephants with massive tusks that can hang to the ground. They are quite an
impressive sight! |
| Did you know? |
| * Tusks are fundamentally no
different than ordinary teeth. They are actually considered the elephant's
incisor teeth. |
* Elephants begin getting tusks
about six months of age. Permanent tusks start to protrude beyond their lips at
2-3 years, and continue to grow thoughout life.
* Tusks grow up to seven
inches a year. The heaviest known single tusk weighed 235 pounds & the
longest tusk measured 11 feet, 5 inches.
* Both sexes of the African
elephant have tusks but male tusks are heavier and thicker than
females.
*
One of the tusks is typically used more than the other (a parallel in humans is
right handed and left handed people). Because one tusk is likely to be used
more, the two are seldom of equal length.
* Tusks are used for digging,
ripping of bark, foraging, and as weapons.
* It is not uncommon to see elephants resting their trunk
over a tusk.
|
photo copyright Becci
Crowe |
| ************************** |
| March 21st 2003 - Part of the incredible
experience of our recent safari was living in a Light Mobile Tented camp in the
Serengeti to follow the huge mass of animals known as The Great Migration. The
vast endless plain that is the Serengeti stands alone - not only for it's huge
expanse - but also for the drama that unfolds day to day. The Wildebeest and
Zebra continue an ancient and relentless mass movement following the cycle of
fresh grass and water. They, in turn, are followed by powerful predators and
the scavengers which follow them. All converge in a battle for survival. It is
in the midst of this chaos that a new generation is born. To live amid this is
to live in the moment - immersing yourself in the sights, sounds, smells, and
emotions all competing for your attention. Nights are no different. The sky is
black and heavily laced with brilliant stars. It is impossible not to gaze
upward as you gather around the fire and the warmth and light it provides.
That's when you hear them. Lions roaring - and they're close. Flashlights
immediately scan the darkness. Then fearful bellows from Wildebeest and the
sound of hooves stampeding confirm lions on the hunt. Tomorrow we will look for
the remains. Tonight we find our way in the darkness to the shelter of our
tent. |
| ************************** |
March 7th 2003 - I've just
returned from an incredible journey to find the rare Mountain Gorillas still
surviving in the Virunga Mountains of Rwanda. Accompanied by armed militia and
local trackers many hours were spent climbing the steep slopes of this volcanic
range over 4 days. The bamboo and jungle growth was so thick in places a path
had to be hacked out with a machete. The first family group we managed to find
was the largest - containing 35 gorillas including two Silverbacks. We were
literally surrounded and had to shift our position several times as individual
gorillas approached and then passed close enough to touch - an equally
intimidating and amazing experience. As in most wildlife encounters - running
away is the worst thing you can do - but it is such a strong instinct!
|
 |
| ************************** |
February 2nd 2003 - The next
entry you read from this journal will reveal news from my most recent
adventures in Africa. I am off to Rwanda to search for rare Mountain
Gorilla in the Virunga Mountains bordering The Congo and Uganda. I will be in
the same area where Dian Fossey did her research. If you haven't seen the movie
"Gorillas in the Mist" check it out. I will then travel to the Serengeti in
Tanzania to follow the Peak of the Great Migration. By day I will track
wildlife on foot with a guide and follow the huge mass of migrating animals in
an open vehicle. By night we will gather around a fire under the stars until
retiring to the shelter of our tents.
This journey will be chronicled by still photography, video,
sketches, and a diary. On my return I will be presenting slide shows and video
clips from my safari and exhibiting a new body of paintings and drawings. Of
course, photos and news from this latest adventure will be posted here on my
web site. Stay tuned! |
| ************************** |
January 24th 2003 - My average
lifespan is 7 years in the wild and as an adult I weigh between 80-140
lbs.
I originated about 4,000,000 years ago
and today Namibia has the largest wild population of us in the
world.
There are two groups of us in the wild
- the family group and the males. Males often form a coalition of 2 or
3.
Depending on sight rather than smell, I
like to scan the countryside from a tree limb or the top of a termite
mound.
The dark tear marks beneath my eyes are
believed to enhance my vision by minimizing the sun's
glare.
*What am
I?*
I am a hunter and can accelerate up to
70 miles an hour for short distances.
Know
now?
|
| ************************** |
| December 31st
2002 - Like many of you, I reflect on the events of this past year while
anticipating the many possibilities for 2003. I eagerly look forward to the new
experiences and adventures which are in store... some I have been planning for
months, but many await unknown to me. I embrace both... the known, where I can
make my dreams reality.... and the unknown, where the field of all
possibilities exists. I challenge you to set in motion plans to make one of
your dreams a reality for 2003. As for me, I'm headed back to Africa.
|
 |
| ************************** |
|
| December 1st 2002 - I'm often asked if I do my safari
drawings and paintings while on location in Africa. My primary goal while on
safari is to go as remote as possible and immerse myself in the bush
experience. During this time, I find it more enjoyable and productive to focus
on observing the behavior of animals in the wild than to sit in one place and
paint or draw. I keep a journal, take a lot of photos, obtain information from
local guides and bring this and my personal experiences and observations back
to my studio to create my art. I also plan to write a book chronicling my
adventures in Africa that will include my photos, drawings and paintings.
|
| ************************** |
Walkies! 
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