Limited edition print by Liz Mitten Ryan. Print titled Breaking the Silence.   Brand new print never been framed in mint condition.   Paper size 30 x 16 inches and hand signed and numbered by the artist. Print from 1993. Number #505 out of 850 of the limited edition. Very Hard to find! Liz Mitten-Ryan Biography Liz Mitten-Ryan, Artist and Liz Mitten-Ryan, Conservationist have become one and the same. When asked about her dedication to conservation Liz answers that the commitment comes from "a love of the life force that is all around us - its complex simplicity, integrity and joy. A tiger, or penguin, palm tree or pine tree, each of these is an interpretation of that life force." Mitten-Ryan sees herself as creative interpreter of her own understanding of life. Much as a poet or musician reaches out with words or music to touch a resounding cord in the listener, an artist searches to convey that same emotion and connection with their subject. "I use the music of art to convey a feeling and a message much as does the composer and lyricist when writing a song. Art is a more difficult medium in that it is subtle, yet it leaves a more lasting impact because when it is hung in someone's home it becomes part of their life - that message is repeated over and over." Liz "sings" in the hope that others will not only appreciate the music, but will join in the chorus. For the past several years she has been building a following as one of British Columbia's leading wildlife artists. She was nominated B.C. Wildlife Federation Artist of the Year for 1993 and 1995. She was also a moving force in the "Artists Who Care" show which was held last year in support of both the Federation and the Vancouver Aquarium. She has worked with Ducks Unlimited Canada in their national art program and as a leading contributor for its campaigns in B.C. and Alberta. Liz is the founder of Earth Wild International which evolved from a vision of a conservation group which would be the interface between conservation partners, corporations and society in general. Earth Wild's aim is to use art as an educational tool and focal point for the issues concerning our livelihood and our future. Liz's work portrays and benefits the natural world. Liz does her research in the field as much as possible. She works from her own photographs as well as from reference material from game farms, zoos and other environmental organizations. Her interpretation and technique is strictly her own. Working in many layers of watercolour, thin acrylic with a fine liner brush, Liz defines a composition and idea and then becomes an instrument for the paintings metamorphosis. "I start with a general concept and a rough sketch, but when I sit down and go through the motions of painting, time and place surrender to the vehicle of the creative force and the painting takes on a life of its own. I never know when the piece is finished until at last I paint the stroke that brings the idea to life." Liz's love of nature and animals is reflected in her life. On a farm near Gibsons, British Columbia, along with her husband and six children she revels in her ever growing menagerie of sheep, goats, pigs, cows, horses, chickens, bunnies and occasional visiting wildlife like Johnny the Gull who fell from his nest and was nurtured by Liz and especially her wolf-cross, Isis, until he fledged to the nearby beach to join his own kind. As Liz believes, "Each living thing is a miracle and creation is the life force of love unfolding. To understand this is to see the world as God's face". "I admire each artist's interpretation, but I believe art should spring forth from our inner self. I don't want to study the techniques of other artists or be influenced by them beyond courses in medium application and fine art. I prefer to wonder at how another artist translates a subject as that is their own personal expression and that is how I maintain creative purity. When I paint, the painting has its own life and energy and I allow it to unfold. Creating art is much like creating life. You surrender to the inherent wisdom and rhythm of the life force and new life comes forth." Liz believes we are all artists and invites you to join her in looking for the love within ourselves. In the words of Thomas Merton, "This particular tree will give glory to God by spreading out its roots in the earth and raising its branches into the air and the light in a way that no other tree before or after ever did or will do." In addition to nature art, Liz is also interested in commissioned artwork and her portraiture includes formal settings with adults, children and assorted pets or informal vignettes where your dog, cat or child is the subject of a familiar scene. Liz works from a collection of photographs and will forward a sketch for approval.