My pot is of the Agile Gibbon, which is found in the rainforests of Southern Asia spending most of its time in trees. This ape is assessed as an endangered species by The International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List due to being threatened by road construction, illegal agriculture, forest conservation (habitat destruction), mining, human encroachment, subsequent opportunistic capture for the pet trade, and capture for food in some areas. Gibbons are fruit-eaters and play a major ecological role in seed dispersal and forest regeneration. Therefore, their endangerment negatively impacts the environment. When I opened the National Geographic Photo Ark, I immediately knew that I wanted to work with the gibbon because it looked adorable and very intelligent. Its black and white fur colors were simple yet beautiful, and its eyes looked like they had seen the world; I think that the intelligence of apes is overlooked. The figure of the gibbon seemed perfect to make into a pot. The head was just the right shape and size.
This project will be one that I’ll always remember, for it was exciting and challenging. What I enjoyed most about the experience is seeing the gibbon come to life and giving it a personality through its body language and facial expression. This includes making all of the little corrections and adjustments that I needed to add for a better outcome. The most challenging part of this project was making the gibbon’s face. Since apes look a lot like humans, it seemed at times like sculpting a human face. I had to make sure the cheeks were plump enough and the eyes were the right size. I needed to scratch the fur details on the eyebrows and face fur. I also needed to ask my teacher for constructive advice, which she gave the best of! I overcame the challenge by being careful and observant of the animal. I made all of the changes to the face that I had to, and it turned out looking more similar to the gibbon than before. What the average person can do to help this amazing animal and others is support and donate to organizations that help endangered animals and wildlife, as well as those that work to stop deforestation. There are many. Just as importantly, they can spread the word about them and share with others. Moreover, an action that will help this endangered animal and so many others if we all do it together is being environmentally friendly by reducing, reusing, and recycling! Hopefully, the agile gibbon gets the recognition and care it deserves.
References: “Agile Gibbon.” New England Primate Conservancy, https://www.neprimateconservancy.org/agile-gibbon.html. “How Long Are a Gibbon's Arms? and More Gibbon Facts.” Smithsonian's National Zoo, 23 Oct. 2020, https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news/how-long-are-gibbons-arms-and-more-gibbon-facts. National Geographic Society. “Endangered Agile Gibbon.” National Geographic Society, https://www.nationalgeographic.org/projects/photo-ark/animal/hylobates-agilis/.