1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites

Young, with a cause

Klaus EsterlussSeptember 9, 2015

Bria, a girl born in 2006 doesn't do things halfway. She wants to save endangered animals using the power of art. Bria sells her paintings to give the money to environmentalists. With this girl we needed to chat.

Deutschland - Brias Tierbilder
Image: A. Neff

Bria, you have some big plans! How did you come up with them?

My mom and me were reading about endangered animals and I couldn't believe how many animals were endangered. It made me really sad and mad, so I decided to do something about it. That's when I decided to paint endangered animals and sell the paintings and then donate the money to save them.

Of all of the paintings you have done so far, which one is your most favourite and why?

My most favorite painting is my blue whale "Big Blue". It's my favorite because I love the mouth.

And, what's your favourite species of all?

"My favorite species are cheetahs because I love the detail on their face."

Why did you choose painting as your kind of art?

I chose acrylic paint because it's thick, bright and I can do details with it. I just love painting.

Where do you find your inspiration - do you draw from photos, or do you visit zoos?

I get my inspiration from looking at books, researching on the Internet and looking at two or three photos.

What is the most fun part to paint and what is most difficult?

The eyes are pretty hard but they are also my favorite.

How do you choose which animal to paint next, do you have a special order?

3,000 pictures in 10 years - that's the ambitious plan of the young artistImage: A. Neff

I pick the next one I paint through research. My next commission is a white peacock.

You donate money you earn with your art to the IFAW - what's so special about this organization?

I like the IFAW because they help animals all over the world. They have an art contest for kids and free resources for kids to learn about animals too.

Do you want to be an artist (especially a painter) in the future?

I want to be a famous artist when I grow up.

What is your message to the people who read this interview?

Without animals, there will be no us. We all have a right to live on this planet.

Thank you very much for your time.

Image: A. Neff
Skip next section Explore more
Skip next section DW's Top Story

DW's Top Story

Skip next section More stories from DW