How did an 11-year-old girl save thousands of oil-soaked Gulf Birds with a paintbrush?
Meet Olivia Bouler, author and illustrator of Olivia’s Birds: Saving the Gulf. Saddened by the oil spill in April of 2010, and its threat to her beloved shore birds, Olivia decided she wanted to help. She contacted the American Audubon Society, a group that teaches people about birds.
Olivia and Audubon Society Join Forces
When the Audubon Society learned about Olivia’s passion – drawing and painting different kinds of birds – they came up with a plan. Olivia would send people who donated to the Audubon’s Gulf Relief Effort one of her bird drawings. So far, Olivia has raised well over a hundred thousand dollars for Gulf Recovery Efforts, and has drawn more than 500 illustrations. As a bonus, her drawings have become an award-winning children’s book.
Olivia’s Inspiration
Olivia’s connection to nature has always been encouraged by her parents and grandparents. According to Olivia, “Its hard not to get interested in birds when you’re exposed to them every day.”
Painting since “before she can remember,” Olivia has had no professional training, although her mother is an artist and often provides inspiration and feedback to her talented daughter. Olivia also enjoys the fan feedback she finds on her Facebook page, Twitter site, and in emails.
Plans For the Future
When she gets older, Olivia hopes to be an Ornithologist, a scientist of birds. She also wants to be a falconer, someone that handles birds of prey, so she can help those who have been injured. Finding them unique and wonderful, birds will always inspire Olivia… and we will be inspired by her dedication to help them.
