In the Words of Brian Basset

The Mission 

“Two days after the Lahaina fires, watching the devastation and feeling helpless to assist, I just felt like I needed to do something. It was one of those things where you think ‘I have to do something, and I have to do it now.’ Animals are hurting, their people are hurting, and I thought that doing a special piece, that could be printed on a poster or clothing, could help raise money for the affected shelters and displaced animals. It took lots of tweaking but I’m very excited to bring you the result.”

“In honesty, this is the most important project that I've applied my abilities to. I’m simply hoping that this piece raises support, first and foremost, but I also hope it helps in the healing process. Cartoons have a way of connecting people. They can make us smile in times of tragedy and a cartoon animal can speak volumes.”

The Artwork

“I first did some research on what animals the shelters primarily support. Obviously, cats and dogs, but there are also diverse types of birds. This is why you’ll notice a few birds included like the Parrot, Cockatiel, and Nene (the state bird of Hawaii). I started with the Shaka design that expresses goodwill and encouragement, and then it was a matter of weaving in animals to fit inside the design. I chose to draw the animals bandaged and wide-eyed, but with a glint of appreciation for the help these shelters have selflessly given. Primarily, the animals are an interpretation of what I had been reading about, the type of burns they were seeing, and the animals they were collecting. If you look close enough, you’ll even notice a yellow dog named Rover that features in my daily newspaper comic, Red and Rover. Ultimately, I hope that this piece is both uplifting and helpful to the animal guardians of Maui.” 

Brian Basset is honored to offer this design and 100% of its proceeds to the Maui Humane Society, the Hawaii Animal Rescue Foundation, and the Boo Boo Zoo - East Maui Animal Refuge (linked below).

Maui Humane Society: mauihumanesociety.org

Hawaii Animal Rescue Foundation: hawaiianimalrescue.org

Boo Boo Zoo - East Maui Animal Refuge: https://www.eastmauianimalrefuge.org/