Born in 1957 with Cerebral Palsy, I'm a life-long resident of Flushing, N.Y. I've been an artist for circa sixty years, specializing in depicting (and sculpting) of animal life. I suppose my condition contributed toward an empathy with the animal kingdom (especially endangered species!), fascinated by that subject since early childhood. I see much beauty in that world, but recognize the violence that occurs as well, all part of a struggle for survival. My two paintings in this exhibit exemplify that, both interspecies, and intraspecies, motivated by disputes over territory, rank, and food. The first painting "It's...'ON'!!" shows us two adult male hippos (Hippopotamus amphibius)squaring off for a battle of supremacy, while a young male (perhaps hoping to get in on the action?) in the foreground, and two females in the background observe the potential conflict... the second painting "TWO AGAINST ONE" involves a sudden encounter between a pair of Bengal Tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) and an Indian Marsh Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris), aka "Mugger". Each side is leery of the other, but ready to attack, if need be!