Support Alyse's Women in Science Project

Hi, thanks for checking out my GoFundMe page! My name is Alyse and I am a professional artist with a focus on wildlife, ecology, and environmentalism. For the past few years I have traveled the world as an artist-in-residence to unique environments, from the cloud forests of Ecuador to the high arctic of Svalbard. My art is inspired by my passionate research, observations, and study of the wildlife and ecosystems of these places, and my enthusiasm and love for the natural sciences is what fuels my creativity.

As a lifelong naturalist, I have always thought that art and science should go hand in hand. Science produces the facts and findings that shape our understanding of the world, and art conveys that information in all its emotional aspects. And as a woman and feminist, I'm also very aware of just how much women in science have contributed to the natural sciences- as well as how much these incredible women have been overlooked and under-credited.

The project: I want to create a series of portraits of inspiring women who have contributed to the natural sciences- naturalists, conservationists, scientists, and more. These portraits will be done in my signature style of incorporating nature into the subject- in this case, nature specific to the current portrait subject. In my portrait of Jane Goodall, for example, I've given her a crown of leaves and vines akin to those in the Gombe National Park where she did the majority of her research, as well as the chimpanzees she has passionately championed for years.

For each portrait, I will write a bio on the subject; their life, accomplishments, and contributions. These portraits and their bios will be exhibited in as many galleries and museums as I can apply to. Furthermore, I want to create a coffee table art book of the portraits and bios, along with facts and info that each subject would want you to know. This will likely be self-published, though I am actively trying to find publishers.

Need: So, why do I need money for this project? I'm planning on doing at least ten portraits. Ten large portraits along with their research and bios will take at least a year. Because I want to put on educational exhibitions with this portrait series, I won't be able to sell the originals for a good while. And because instagram has been working hard to make artists disappear from their platform, I have lost a lot of engagement, and therefore sales, the past two years (since Meta bought Instagram... go figure).

This means that my main source of income has been the pet portrait orders that luckily tend to come from word of mouth as well as social media. Not complaining, I love drawing dogs... but if that's all I can afford to do, then I can't afford to spend any time drawing things I want to draw... like the women of science. I believe that art is a tool for inspiration, education, and communication. My tool belt is full and ready, but requires money for me to operate.

The fundraiser amount accounts for rent, exhibition costs, minimal food, and bills for a year. If all goes well, I'll also be able to bring more projects to life, such as joining as scientific research expedition and using my art as a communication tool, volunteering with organizations to contribute to and learn about conservation efforts, and continuing to create educational tools for the general public.

Your donation allows me to utilize my art in a way that benefits wildlife conservation, the environment, and initiatives that aim to save and protect our planet.

Thanks so much for taking the time to read my message; I very much appreciate any and all of the support you can offer!

P.S.- Other ways to support my art and this project include purchasing art on my website, following me on instagram, and sharing this page everywhere you can think of!