The Art of Animals
By John W. Healy

How would you paint an elephant? If you asked your class this question, it would initiate a great deal of discussion, humor and open the door to imaginative ideas. As a follow-up question to this art lesson you can also ask your students how they would paint a reptile, insect, fish or fowl. What a challenge for a child to explore the possibilities of playing Mother Nature!

Eight-year-old Kali's colorful interpretation (left) of her meeting with an elephant during a recent visit to India (below).

The largest canvas in the world
If you lived in India, you would paint an elephant very differently than you would if you lived in any other country. The elephant is held sacred by the Hindu people. In the Hindu culture, the god Ganesh, an elephant with six arms, symbolizes wealth, prosperity and good fortune. Decorating and painting an elephant would represent an observance honoring Ganesh in the hope of gaining these rewards. India is a country that has a great tradition of spectacular use of color in its traditional art. Diwali, the Festival of Lights, takes place in late October and early November and vibrant displays of color and art are placed on elephants in honor of Ganesh.

The elephant that Kali and her sister are standing in front of in the above photograph is at the Temple Amir Mandhir, Jaipur, northwest India. Their mother Anu told me, "India is a country where the ancient is constantly competing with the modern; animals are up close and personal." You might see an elephant, monkeys or a Brahma bull walking down the street while a jet plane flies overhead. Kali offered the elephant in the photo a peeled banana and was surprised to find that his trunk was hairy. She told me that at no time was she afraid of this kindly giant and felt quite comfortable with her new friend. These animals are sometimes adorned with small brass bells tied together to create a rhythmic chime that announces the elephant's impending arrival. When an elephant is painted and saddled with a howdah, a covered seat to ride in, one feels like a real maharaja and part of an ancient civilization.

The world of humans
The art of animals can also be imposed through selective breeding by humans. For example, working dogs are bred for our practical purposes. The terrier is a dog whose short tail was used for pulling the animal out of a hole after it had chased a rabbit or fox into its den. A characteristic look of a certain animal may evolve into caricature as generation after generation is selectively bred to meet certain non-practical aesthetic standards. Consider the pug dog, whose face is reminiscent of a gargoyle and often experiences labored breathing.

Just as members of the human race decorate and color themselves, we also choose to decorate animals. This practice takes away the practical aspects of the animal fitting into the wild and they instead become a partner in the world of people.

Adaptations
Show your class pictures of a variety of different animals to demonstrate how the art of animals can be both natural and man-made. Encourage an informed class discussion of each adaptation. The following are some of many interesting choices. Exotic animals as well as choices from your local area will help to maintain your students' interest.

Natural adaptations:
Zebras: The patterns and coloration of this animal are very different from the landscape it inhabits. When a herd of zebra runs across an open plain it creates undulating patterns that prevent predators from focusing on one particular zebra.

Lions: As lions approach their prey in a sea of amber-colored grass, black spots on the backs of their ears subtly identify the position of other lions in a group hunt.

Seasonal coloration is an adaptation that shows how the same animal can look quite different at different times of the year. Comparisons can be made how students come to school looking different at different times of the year.

Human-made adaptations:
When humans alter the appearance of animals it's often a mix of function and decoration. The bells of brass chimes that are draped on Indian elephants sound as a warning to pedestrians who wish to avoid being stepped on!

Steps to take in the classroom
For this activity, ask your students to select an animal of his or her choice and redesign to the following suggestions:

• Think of where you live and how an animal can fit into the world of humans and into your home.
• Why did you change the natural order of your subject?
• Does the change improve the appearance and or function of the subject?

The art of animals explores the needs of animals as well as humans. This relationship is sometimes quite different from what Mother Nature intended. A miniature poodle in a dog show is oblivious to the commotion it creates by its man-made appearance. Will your students' changes for the animal they choose be practical, cultural, religious, decorative or just for fun?

Dr. John W. Healy teaches art at Woodland Middle School, East Meadow, NY.

October, 2006, Vol.37, No.2