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Dimensions
TBC
Medium
Bronze with Bronze Patina
Edition Number
/15
Sponsored By
Sponsor Name
Description
A captivating bronze sculpture bench invites the public into a moment of playful interaction and reflection as a critically endangered hawksbill turtle sits firmly at one end, camera raised and pointed across the bench. On the opposite side, Rabbitwoman and Dogman — Gillie and Marc’s beloved Wildlife Warriors — lift their own cameras in response, returning the turtle’s gaze. Between them lies a wide open space, deliberately created for members of the public to sit, enter the scene, and become part of this exchange. The hawksbill turtle, with its intricate form and ancient lineage, symbolizes both fragility and endurance. By taking on the role of the photographer, the turtle becomes not the observed, but the observer — flipping our perspective and reminding us that wildlife, too, is watching humanity and the choices we make. Rabbitwoman and Dogman mirror the turtle’s gesture, their raised cameras symbolizing reciprocity and dialogue. Together, the trio creates a metaphor for seeing and being seen, a reminder that conservation is a two-way relationship — one that requires respect, awareness, and recognition. The cameras themselves symbolize memory, perspective, and the urgency of preservation. The Turtle Bench of Friendship becomes more than a seat — it is a symbol of vision, empathy, and the urgent call to safeguard the hawksbill turtle and the fragile oceans it represents before its image is all that remains.
Sculpture Title
The Turtle Bench of Friendship
Animal Name
Name goes here
Conservation Status
Critically Endangered
About the Hawksbill Turtle
The hawksbill turtle is a critically endangered sea turtle species found in tropical coral reefs around the world, particularly in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans. Named for its narrow, pointed beak that resembles a hawk’s, the hawksbill uses this specialized mouth to reach into crevices and feed primarily on sponges, an unusual diet among sea turtles. Its beautifully patterned shell—composed of overlapping scales in rich amber, brown, and gold hues—has long made it a target for illegal trade, especially for decorative “tortoiseshell” products.
Beyond its beauty, the hawksbill turtle plays a vital ecological role by maintaining healthy coral reef ecosystems. By consuming sponges, it prevents them from overgrowing and smothering coral. However, the species faces grave threats from habitat loss, climate change, pollution, accidental capture in fishing gear, and the ongoing black-market trade in its shells. Rising ocean temperatures and sea-level changes also endanger nesting beaches and egg survival. Conservation efforts across the globe, including marine protected areas, stricter trade regulations under CITES, and local nesting protection programs, have helped slow the species’ decline. Still, the hawksbill turtle’s future depends on continued international cooperation to safeguard both the species and the delicate reefs it helps sustain.
How to Help
Inspired by animals that Gillie and Marc met on their travels, we invite the public to discover and interact with these beautiful creatures up close and personal – this allows audiences to connect, take photographs and share their favourite species with friends and family.
With more exposure comes more awareness and builds on the love we already have for animals around the world. With love comes a greater sense of urgency to create a change and save all endangered animals.
The sculpture will be aligned with the hashtag #GillieandMarc and #LoveTheLast to raise unparalleled awareness about the sculpture’s cause across the globe.
Give Back to Love The Last Wildlife Fund
With every edition purchased, Gillie and Marc will donate a percentage of proceeds to support Love The Last Wildlife Fund.
Love The Last Wildlife Fund is a global conservation organization devoted to saving 21 of the most critically endangered animals on Earth. Motivated by a deep love for nature and wildlife, the Fund focuses on protecting species that stand on the very edge of extinction through science-driven conservation, habitat restoration, and community collaboration.
Its initiatives include anti-poaching efforts, rescue and rehabilitation programs, and sustainable development projects that help local communities coexist with wildlife. By combining compassion with action, Love The Last Wildlife Fund works to ensure that these 21 remarkable species are not lost forever, preserving the planet’s natural heritage for future generations.
Artwork Features
Gillie and Marc love working in bronze for many reasons. Bronze is a very hardy material and will last forever. As experts in coloring bronze, Gillie and Marc enjoy experimenting with their sculptures, adding a splash of color to brighten the work, making it even more unique. > Read more
For every purchase of a bronze sculpture you will receive a certificate of authenticity, titled, signed, dated and editioned by the artists.
