By Leslie Goldberg

For the DxE art-making session at this year’s Forum, our tools were simple: pencils, computer printer paper, and some magazine pictures of animals. Our time was limited, too – about 45 minutes.

I confess to being partial to drawing and pencils. At least in our culture, pencils are cheap and available, and I love the immediacy and intimacy of drawing. Sitting down with a pencil and paper is a way for me to think, dream, imagine, feel and ultimately come back to myself.

About 10 of us gathered around a table at the forum and set to work. Unlike other group art experiences I’ve had, there was no talking – no recounting last night’s movie or a recent meal.

We drew in silence. We drew in peace. We drew with determination to create something to break down our culture’s collective ignorance of the suffering of animals.

As we wrapped up, I asked - like a third-grade teacher - for folks to please put their names on their drawings. Some people acceded to my demands; others did not. Because pencil lines are generally hard to see when posted online, I added ink and, in some cases, color to the drawings.

I think these drawings are wonderful. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!