8x10” archival ink (giclee) print, titled and signed at the bottom of the image.
This piece is inspired by Florida's at-risk habitats where this threatened species makes it's home. They are a keystone species for their ability to dig burrows that hundreds of other animals and insects make their homes in. Their diet consists of many different plants, including grasses, fruits and flowers. The Gopher Apple is a native herbaceous plant with low-laying fruit, that bears it's name, so I had to include it!
The major threat to gopher tortoises is over-development and urban sprawl into natural areas. By law, tortoises must be moved before construction begins, but their chances of survival once moved is low, and the number of suitable places to move them to is dwindling. Preventing development of their habitat in the first place is the best way to conserve them.
Check out this blog post for process pics: https://www.kimheise.com/post/process-of-several-art-projects-2025
Gopher Tortoise With Gopher Apple print
Frame under glass or plexi out of direct sunlight