"Such Is Life"

The Artist: Faye Pannell (Perth, Australia) Faye Pannell is an illustrator, designer, and the founder of Blackmane Supply Co. based in Perth, Australia. In addition to "Such Is Life," Faye's designs can be seen on Blackmane's wide range of awesome clothing and accessories inspired by the landscape of Australia.  Beyond Blackmane, Faye's portfolio of design work is inspired by the natural world and the people around her. Faye sees her work as a means to express narratives, telling the stories of her world with illustration and color.   Inspired by the technique, line work, and colors of Ken Taylor, along with the handmade aesthetic of Dereck Castle, Faye's work is alive with detail. On first look, her designs jump off the page, instantly imbuing the viewer with layers of meaning. Then, upon closer examination, all of the smaller elements reveal themselves to transport the viewer into another world. BANDITS is proud to feature this incredible artist and the outstanding cause she has chosen to support.  Instagram: @blackmane.supply Facebook: @blackmanedesignsupplyco www.blackmanesupply.com The Design: "Such Is Life" As legend has it, "Such is Life" were the last words of Ned Kelly, Australia's most famous "bushranger". The bushrangers were outlaws who famously robbed coaches and lived off of the land during the height of the 1800's Australian gold rush. Tales of the bushrangers evading authorities with their superior horsemanship, survival skills, and gunslinging courage evolved into things of legend. As time went on the legend only grew and the bushrangers became national symbols of rebellion, individuality, and rugged toughness.  According to Faye, "The design is my interpretation of an outlaw's life in the bush." In addition to traditional symbols of the bushranger lifestyle, Faye incorporated native flora and and earthy color palette to reflect the unique beauty Australia. By tying together historical legend, the natural landscape, and modern design, Faye created a piece that truly conveys the sense of "mateship" and the laid back attitude that characterize what it means to be "Aussie."   The Charity: Akashinga (Zimbabwe) The Akashinga (which means "The Brave Ones" in the Shone language of Zimbabwe) is an elite all-female anti-poaching unit of the International Anti Poaching Foundation (IAPF). The project empowers women from disadvantaged communities across Zimbabwe, allowing them to join forces and combat illegal trophy hunting in the country. The women manage a massive network of wilderness areas using an an innovative community-driven approach. Though they are expertly trained trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has an interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. Faye was born and raised in Zimbabwe and Botswana, and thus has a genetic and spiritual connection to Africa's wildlife and indigenous people. She strongly believes in supporting Akashinga, IAPF, and others on the frontline combatting poaching of Africa's precious species. In her words, "These rangers are a testament to female empowerment and their bravery and commitment should serve as an inspiration to everyone." Like the bushrangers, tales of the Akashinga, their bravery, and their elite skills are becoming a worldwide legend, and YOU can help it grow! 10% of proceeds from your purchase of "Such Is Life" will go to train female rangers, pay them a salary, and provide the equipment and supplies needed to protect Zimbabwe's endangered wildlife.  Instagram: @int.anti.poaching.foundation Facebook: @iapf.org www.iapf.org The Bandana  Size:     21" x 21" Fabric:  100% Organic Cotton, GOTS Certified and sustainably sourced in India from Chetna Organic, pre-washed for an extra soft feel Make:   Printed, Cut, Sewn, and Packaged by hand at a Fair Trade Certified facility in Kolkata, West Bengal, India (FLOCERT FLO ID 4512) Wash:   Hand Wash, Line or Tumble Dry, Warm Iron, Do Not Bleach Please note that all of our bandanas are printed, cut, and sewn by hand. There may be slight variations from product to product.