Alan has been helping raise funds for grassroot conservation initiatives through his artwork, and has chosen to support LEAF through his upcoming works “Oak Leaves” and “Eastern White Pine”, where a portion of each purchased print will be donated to LEAF and the High Park Nature Centre. We interviewed Alan to see what inspires him to create these amazing drawings!
When and how did you become interested in drawing?
I was 16 when I first took drawing seriously. I had to drop out of school for a few years and was living abroad with little direction in life. One evening I caught a program about an artist named David Shepherd. He was out in the African bush with his easel and brushes capturing the landscape and wildlife. His purpose was to raise funds for conservation projects by selling the original artwork and prints. I was hooked. The next day, I went to the local library and spent hours pouring through books. Years later, I met David at an exhibition and thanked him for inspiring me and for all the work he’s done to save wildlife.
Do you have a favourite place to go to be inspired?
The Niagara Escarpment is where I grew up and it's still a magical place for me.
Why did you choose LEAF as one of the organizations to support through your artwork?
I heard positive things about LEAF through the other groups I collaborate with, so I decided to reach out. What I’ve learned is that LEAF does superb work. This summer, I attended the Leslieville Tree Festival for the first time and thought it was fantastic community event. I've also noticed LEAF’s handiwork on the streets like the garden at the Walmer road entrance to Spadina station.
What made you decide to illustrate the white pine?
Windswept pines represent the essence of the Canadian wilderness. This particular pine has all those qualities, but happens to be found in Toronto, mere steps from traffic-heavy Bloor Street.
Do you have a favourite tree?
It has to be the cedars that grow along the cliffs of the escarpment. Some of those gnarled trees are well over a thousand years old and survive in such harsh conditions. Luckily, these ancient trees remain largely undisturbed.
Many of your subjects are found in the city; what have you learned about the connection between nature and the urban environment through your art?
I’ve learned that in order for a city to thrive, it needs to have a healthy urban wilderness. Toronto has some remarkable wild places to explore. I saw my very first pair of great horned owls this year in High Park. Numerous big brown bats too. I’ve attended a number of events where people are connecting with nature, many for the first time, and you can see what an impact it has.
You are a busy volunteer; tell us about the work you do outside of drawing.
When I’m not drawing I try to help out wherever I can so it’s always something different. Sometimes it’s event photography or getting outdoors to count migrating birds. This week I’ll be folding newsletters for several hours. I also spend time at the ROM’s mammal lab where they clean and preserve skins and skeletons.
What is one of your favourite experiences drawing/painting outdoors?
A young red tailed hawk swooped inches from the top of my head when I was drawing that white pine. They hunt squirrels and chipmunks in the nearby black oak savannah and I was frozen on the spot watching it fly towards me. I probably should have ducked!
Art Prints Available for Purchase!
Art Prints from Alan Li’s original drawings and paintings are available for purchase online. $10 from each 8x10inch print will be donated to LEAF and the High Park Nature Centre.
Each individually signed and numbered print has been made with earth friendly materials. To view Alan’s gallery, read his blog and learn more about his work, visit AlanLiDrawings.com
Lauren Brown is LEAF’s Education & Stewardship Coordinator.