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This series was created to amplify public awareness on Species at Risk inMi'kma'ki. Created primarily in acrylic and collage on canvas, each animalappears larger than life for a more intimate connection with their wild power,dignity, and intelligence. Through the use of collage, fractal-like patterns, and blending realistic andstylized elements, my work aims to create a ‘psychoactive quality’ intended tobring viewers into a hypnotic, trancelike state. My goal is to connect people with a sense of awe for life and the natural world,and to activate resources and efforts towards regeneration.These Species-At-Risk on display are an integral part of the vast network ofinterdependent relationships around us. Our fates as humans are bound uptogether with both them and many other creatures in ways both known, andunknown. As we face the looming climate and biodiversity crises, the threats to theecosystems on which these animals - and us - depend has never been greater. My hope is to center more conversations about how we can move into the post-carbon era, beyond the increasingly obsolete ‘extract and export’ economicdevelopment mentality. Welcome! Enjoy!Amanda SuutariThis body of work is part education, part prayer, and part invocation for the rebounding and flourishing of these beautiful animals and the ecosystems they’re part of.

As an ‘artivist’, Amanda Suutari has used her creativepractice as a vehicle for campaigning, fundraising andeducation initiatives to regenerate ecosystems and supportglobal equity for the past twenty years. She primarily worksin mixed-media painting, illustration and graphic design.Amanda has exhibited work and published illustrations inbooks in Japan, India, British Columbia and Nova Scotia.She has also been featured in arts and culture onlinemagazines, Stir Vancouver and Withintensions.Learn more about Amanda at amandasuutari.comFollow her on Instagram (@amandasuutariart)

The Peregrine Falcon is aremarkable bird of prey oftenspotted along coastal cliffs, rivervalleys, and urban high-rises acrossMi’kmak’i, where they nest onledges resembling their naturalcliffside habitats.They primarily hunt birds in mid-air,using their sharp talons to strikewith precision. During theirsignature ‘hunting dive’, they arethe fastest animal on earth withspeeds reaching over 320 km/h(200 mph). Historically, Peregrine Falcons werewidespread across the region, butby the mid-20th century, theirnumbers drastically declined due tothe use of DDT and otherpesticides.Despite this recovery, Peregrine Falcons still face threats such as habitat loss, humandisturbance at nesting sites, and the potential effects of climate change on their foodsupply. Illegal hunting and collisions with buildings and power lines in urban areas alsopose risks. The Peregrine Falcon remains an important species in Mi’kmaq culture and NovaScotia’s ecosystems, serving as both a symbol of resilience and a key predator thathelps maintain the balance of bird populations. “On Top of the World”, 30" x 40", Acrylic onGallery-Wrappted CanvasInquire about availability

“Slithering”, 15" x 30", Acrylic on Gallery-Wrapped Canvas Inquire about availabilityThe Eastern Ribbonsnake (Thamnophis sauritus) is a semi-aquatic, non-venomoussnake found in the wetlands, lakeshores, and marshes of Mi’kma’ki. Unlike other snakes, the Eastern Ribbonsnake spends much of its time near water,where it hunts small fish, amphibians, and insects. It is an excellent swimmer and aquick, elusive predator that relies on speed rather than constriction to catch its prey.The Eastern Ribbonsnake is considered a species at risk in Nova Scotia, with itspopulation threatened by habitat loss, wetland destruction, and other human activity.As more wetlands are drained for development or agriculture, the snake loses vitalbreeding and foraging grounds. Road mortality is another significant issue, as thesesnakes often cross roads near wetlands and are vulnerable to vehicle traffic. Protecting this unique and elusive snake is essential for maintaining the health ofwetland ecosystems. Conservation efforts focus on protecting wetlands, monitoringpopulations, and raising awareness about the species.

The Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia) is a small migratory songbird found inMi’kma’ki. They are highly social, nesting in colonies that can range from a fewpairs to several thousand. They excavate nesting burrows in vertical sand or soilbanks, often along rivers, lakeshores, and coastal areas. Their diet primarily consistsof flying insects, which they catch in flight over open water or fields. In recent decades, Bank Swallow populations in Canada have experiencedsignificant declines, with an estimated 98% reduction over the past 40 years. Thisdecline is attributed to several factors, including the loss of breeding and foraginghabitats due to activities such as the construction of dams, conversion ofpasturelands to croplands, and erosion control measures that stabilize banks,thereby reducing suitable nesting sites. Additionally, the widespread use ofpesticides has led to a decrease in insect prey availability, further impacting theirsurvival. Conservation efforts in the region focus on identifying and monitoring nestingcolonies, protecting critical habitats, and engaging in public awareness campaignsto promote the species' conservation. Organizations such as the Atlantic CanadaBank Swallow Working Group, coordinated by Birds Canada, have been establishedto bring together various stakeholders to address these conservation challenges. “Where Will theSwallows Go?” 24" x 30", Acrylic andCollage on Gallery-Wrapped CanvasInquire about availability

The Canada Lynx (Lynxcanadensis) is a secretive andelusive wild cat recognized by itsthick fur, tufted ears, and large,snowshoe-like paws, which helpit navigate deep snow. It is highly specialized forhunting snowshoe hares, whichmake up the majority of its diet.As hare populations fluctuate intheir natural boom/bust cycles,so too does the lynx population,following a well-documentedpredator-prey relationship.In Mi’kma’ki, the Canada Lynx isfound mainly in the Cape BretonHighlands, where its preferreddense coniferous forest habitatremains relatively intact. The biggest threats to the Canada Lynx include habitat fragmentation, climate change, andpotential competition from the more adaptable bobcat, which is expanding its rangenorthward. Changes in forest management practices, such as clear-cutting, can reducesuitable lynx habitat by altering the dense understory that supports snowshoe harepopulations. This elusive predator remains an important part of Mi’kmaq culture and theregion’s ecological balance, serving as both a symbol of the wild and an indicator of foresthealth.“What Are You Looking At? 30” x 40", Acrylic on Gallery-Wrapped CanvasInquire about availability

The Monarch Butterfly(Danaus plexippus) isfamous for its remarkablemigration, travelingthousands of kilometersbetween Canada and itsoverwintering sites.Mexico. Monarchs are mostcommonly seen during thelate summer and early fall,feeding on nectar-richflowers and laying eggs onmilkweed plants, which arethe sole food source fortheir caterpillars.Despite their beauty and resilience, Monarch Butterflies face serious threats that have ledto population declines. Habitat loss, both in northern breeding grounds and inoverwintering sites in Mexico, is a major concern. The widespread use of pesticides andherbicides has reduced milkweed availability, making it harder for Monarchs to reproducesuccessfully. Climate change is also a growing threat, as shifting weather patterns andextreme storms can disrupt migration routes and food sources.Conservation efforts focus on planting and protecting milkweed and other pollinator-friendly gardens, as well as halting pesticide use to support Monarch populations. Publicawareness campaigns encourage people to create pollinator-friendly gardens and reducepesticide use. Protecting this iconic and beautiful species not only helps ensure its survivalbut also supports the broader health of our natural landscapes.“Multi-Generational Voyage”, 24" x 24", Acrylicand Collage on Gallery-wrapped -Canvas. Inquire about availability

The Canada Warbler (Cardellina canadensis) is a small, vibrant songbird thatfavors moist, mixed deciduous and coniferous forests with dense shrub layers,often nesting in areas with abundant understory vegetation. Over the past four decades, Canada Warbler populations have experiencedsignificant declines, with estimates indicating an alarming 85% reduction innumbers. Primary threats include habitat loss due to deforestation in both breedingand wintering grounds, forest fragmentation, and changes in forest composition. InSouth America, where they spend the winter months, approximately 90% ofAndean forests have been cleared for agriculture and other land uses, severelyimpacting their habitat. Efforts to protect the Canada Warbler’s status focus on habitat protection,research, and public engagement to mitigate threats and promote populationrecovery. Additionally, organizations like Nature Canada are working to raiseawareness and implement conservation strategies across the species' range. “The Power of Song”, 18" x 24", Acrylic and Collage on Canvas. Inquire about availability

The Yellow-BandedBumblebee (Bombusterricola) is a vitalpollinator found in NovaScotia’s forests,meadows, and gardens. This bumblebee is easilyrecognized by its blackand yellow-bandedbody, with a distinctyellow stripe across thethorax and abdomen. Unlike honeybees, which form large hives, Yellow-Banded Bumblebees live in smallcolonies and often nest underground in abandoned rodent burrows. They play a crucialrole in pollinating wildflowers, fruits, and crops, making them an essential part of theregion’s ecosystems.In recent decades, its population has declined significantly, leading to concerns about itslong-term survival. The main threats include habitat loss, the widespread use of pesticides,and the spread of diseases from commercially managed bumblebee populations. Climatechange also poses a risk, as shifting temperatures and extreme weather events candisrupt flowering patterns and nesting sites.Efforts to protect the Yellow-Banded Bumblebee focus on reducing pesticide use,preserving wildflower-rich habitats, and supporting native pollinator conservationprograms.Protecting them will help ensure the stability of Nova Scotia’s diverseecosystems and food production.“Resonance”, 24" x 24",Acrylic and Collage onCanvas. Inquire about availability

Their diet consists mainly of small, soft-bodied insects such as caddisflies and beetles. Theyare among the first bats to emerge in the evening, characterized by their slow, erratic flightpatterns. The primary threat to Tri-colored Bats (and other bat species) is White-nose Syndrome, afungal disease caused by Pseudogymnoascus destructans. This disease has led tosignificant population declines across North America. The fungus disrupts hibernation,causing bats to deplete their fat reserves prematurely, often leading to mortality. Conservation efforts are focused on monitoring populations, protecting critical habitats,and researching disease management strategies to mitigate the impact of White-noseSyndrome. The Tri-colored Bat (Perimyotissubflavus) is one of the smallest batspecies. Weighing between 5 to 9grams and with a wingspan ofapproximately 22 to 25 centimeters,this bat is distinguished by its ‘tri-coloured’ fur coloration: Each hair isdark brown at the base, light brown inthe middle, and yellowish-brown atthe tip. Tri-colored Bats exhibit uniqueroosting behavior by utilizing beardlichens (Usnea trichodea) as theirprimary roosting substrate. Thisadaptation is thought to offerprotection against parasites, as usnicacid in the lichen has anti-insect andanti-bacterial properties.“Night Flight”, 24" x 30", Acrylic on Gallery-WrappedCanvas. Inquire about availability