Gold On Black Kiss
8 x 8

$59.00

This is a giclee reproduction of a stunning golden kiss on a black background!

Available on backorder

SKU: P-5050 Categories: , ,

ABOUT THE ART

This is a stunning golden kiss on a black background! This beautiful canvas GICLEE REPRODUCTION has a 2-inch border, making it suitable for mounting/framing.  All Lucy art is shipped flat (not mounted); if you would like to purchase a stretched and mounted print, please contact us for availability.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

While Lucy, the Edmonton Valley Zoo’s Asian Elephant, no longer paints, her works of art and her trunk imprints (kisses) are famous and beloved by many.

Painting was introduced as a simple method of enriching Lucy’s life. Finding necessities (food, shelter, and water) consume all of an animal’s waking hours in the wild. These necessities are readily provided in captivity, so animals have more idle time. Zookeepers introduce enrichments to fill spare time with activities and items that keep the animals physically and mentally healthy. Enrichments encourage natural behaviors and teach new behaviors. Throughout the years, some of Lucy’s favorite activities have included playing soccer, hide-and-seek, taking long walks, and painting. Like people, her favorite activities have changed with time. Lucy stopped painting in 2019.

When Lucy painted, each painting began with the zookeepers mixing the colors. Lucy used only non-toxic acrylic paints and chose the brush she wanted to use. She painted as much as she wanted with a particular color. Once finished, Lucy would hand the brush back to her keeper. Each piece she painted was very different, but they all show similar lines, circles, and dabs. Lucy had her own style!

While a few original works of art remain for sale in the Zootique at the Edmonton Valley Zoo, all works of art sold online are reproductions. The majority of the proceeds from the sale of Lucy’s reproductions go to enhancing exhibits and animal care at the Edmonton Valley Zoo. The remainder goes to Elephants International to support conservation work.