--- In [email protected], "Marek Reavis" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > I've looked at some of the other elephant painting links and I'm a > little less convinced that the elephant in question is operating > with some sense that s/he "knows" that it's a depiction of an > elephant that's being drawn, and is more likely a very well-trained > performer. But, boy-oh-boy, is s/he an in-control performer. > Great trunk/eye coordination, that's for sure. > > Us primates got nothing on the elephants. > > Jai Ganesh
"Two years ago, Hong began painting with her mahout, Noi Rakchang, and has steadily developed her skills. After learning how to paint flowers, she moved on to more advanced paintings. She now has two specialties. One is an elephant holding flowers with her trunk, and the other is the Thai flag. An elephant with so much control and dexterity is capable of amazing work. Just for clarification, with these realistic figural works, the elephant is still the only one making the marks on the paper but the paintings are learned series of brushstrokes not Hong painting a still life on her own." http://www.elephantart.com/catalog/default.php?cPath=69 Elephants are extraordinary creatures, but I have to say that I'm a little uncomfortable with the idea of training wild animals to do elaborate performances of human-type activities, for the amusement of humans. In this case, the money from selling the elephants' paintings goes toward improving the welfare of elephants, both wild and captive, so it's for a good cause. But still...
