Commissioned Artwork
It was an honour to be commissioned by Colchester Zoo, to draw from Scott Davy's photo of 'Rajang' to commemorate his 50th Birthday!
I was honoured to have been approached by Colchester Zoo to draw Rajang to commemorate his 50th Birthday on the 14th June 2018.
The photo reference was a beautiful photograph taken by Scott Davy.
Rajang came to Colchester Zoo in 1980, where everyone feel in love with him as he had such a personality. Despite orang-utans not having the same facial muscles to express their emotions the way humans do, Rajang communicated with his keepers and visitors through his beautiful eyes and through the expressions he would make with his mouth.
I was mesmerised each time I visited him and captivated when in his presence, as he looked out at me, taking in the world and his visitors.
Later on in his long happy life, he become a star of social media for kissing pregnant ladies bellies and his fascination with belly buttons, kissing the glass!
I witnessed an amazing moment first-hand, which now I wished I had filmed. There was a lovely couple beside me and I noticed his beautiful tattoo. I mentioned that Rajang loved bellies so why not show him your tattoo. Wow, everyone was fixated on Rajang, as he looked over his tattoo, taking every bit of detail in, looking so intently and closely. The guy showed him again as wanted to catch Rajangs reaction on his phone, but Rajang had already seen it so he wasn't interested in looking again and just sat back - animals aren't silly!
Rajang is one in a million, which is where the title of the original/prints came from.
The original was auctioned off raising an amazing £1500. A limited edition giclee print was produced from the original. Only 150 available, in a 3 size option. The original was A3 size.
Around 30% of the sales of each print is going to Colchester Zoo's charity Action in the Wild, Orangutan Foundation project. On sale in Zoo Gift Shop and in my Online Shop.
Get your print before they all go!
To purchase a copy Click here to go to Shop!
Sadly Rajang passed away on the 12th December 2018, absolutely heart-breaking for all, as for many of us, he was a huge part of the zoo. He will never be forgotten and will live on through all the videos, photos, memories, art and in everyone's hearts! He was an amazing ambassador and will be sorely missed!
'R.I.P. Rajang, always in our hearts...'
