Recently, I’ve been channeling my creativity into raising awareness about a critical issue: the declining freshwater levels in Scotland and its devastating impact on wildlife, especially our beloved birds. Inspired by the powerful book Burning Ice: Art & Climate Change, I’ve been creating art that not only reflects the beauty of our natural world but also highlights the urgent need to protect it.
MAKING ROOM, mixed media, 40cm, limited edition of 3 by Lukas Kroulik, 2024.
Our planet is changing, and it’s up to us to make a difference. Beyond the water crisis, plastic pollution is another major threat to our ecosystems. Through my art, I hope to inspire action and bring attention to the fragile environments that rely on fresh water and the pressing need to combat plastic pollution. Let’s work together to preserve our environment for future generations.
P.S. Placing my finished 🕙 artwork in a fireplace 🔥 …
MAKING ROOM, mixed media, 40cm, limited edition of 3 by Lukas Kroulik, 2024.
Lukas Kroulik with his two round artworks @ 54 The Gallery, Mayfair London.
The Batas and The Houlders: A Legacy of Friendship and Philanthropy
The ties between the Bata and Houlder families have left an indelible mark on both personal and global landscapes. John Maurice Houlder CBE MBE and Professor Dominic John Houlder shared a deep and enduring friendship with the Bata family, particularly with Sonja Bata. This relationship, built on mutual respect and shared passions, transcended into significant philanthropic efforts, particularly in conservation.
Sonja Bata's Philanthropic Impact
Sonja Bata, known for her remarkable fundraising efforts, played a pivotal role in securing the future of WWF-International and WWF-Canada. Her dedication to conservation was evident through her successful initiatives. One notable achievement was rallying 35 friends to contribute to WWF International’s ambitious $10-million endowment fund. In 1982, she spearheaded a similar campaign for WWF-Canada, establishing a $1-million endowment known as “200 Canadians for Wildlife.” These funds have been instrumental in supporting WWF’s conservation efforts by providing essential funding for operating costs, ensuring the organization’s sustainability and effectiveness.
Lukas Kroulik inherited John Houlder's Inuit Art collection bought at Sonja Bata's WWF fundraiser in 1982.
Sonja Bata helped establish WWF as a conservation leader in the Arctic, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for their first conservation program in 1982.
In addition to her work with WWF, Sonja Bata was a significant figure in the world of business and philanthropy. She co-founded the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto, which houses one of the world's largest and most comprehensive collections of footwear. This museum not only preserves the history of footwear but also highlights the cultural significance of shoes across different societies and eras.
Inuit art
Thomas and Sonja Bata
Bata Shoe Museum
WWF: A Legacy of Conservation
For over 60 years, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has been at the forefront of global conservation efforts. As the world's leading conservation organization, WWF operates in nearly 100 countries, working collaboratively with communities to develop innovative solutions that protect both people and the planet. The financial support secured through initiatives led by Sonja Bata and her connections with the Houlders has been crucial in advancing WWF's mission. This funding has enabled WWF to address critical conservation challenges, ensuring that both wildlife and natural habitats are preserved for future generations.
The Bata family's commitment to conservation is also evident in their efforts to promote sustainable practices within the Bata Shoe Organization, one of the world's largest footwear companies. By integrating environmentally-friendly practices into their business operations, the Batas have demonstrated a holistic approach to sustainability that extends beyond philanthropy.
Thomas and Sonja Bata with John Houlder and friends spent many Christmas and New Year celebrations together in Switzerland.
Shared Celebrations and Passions
The camaraderie between the Houlders and the Batas extended beyond philanthropy. Thomas and Sonja Bata, along with John Houlder and their friends, frequently spent Christmas and New Year celebrations together in Switzerland, particularly in St. Maurice. These gatherings were not just social events but a testament to their close-knit relationships and shared interests.
John Houlder and Thomas Bata both had a passion for flying and skiing, hobbies that further cemented their bond. Their shared adventures in these activities added a personal dimension to their friendship, underscoring the profound connection between the two families.
John Houlder, a distinguished naval architect, was well-regarded in his field for his contributions to maritime safety and innovation. His work included the development of specialized ships for the offshore oil and gas industry, reflecting his commitment to advancing engineering solutions for complex challenges.
J. Houlder at Elstree Aerodrom
J. Houlder in Tatler magazine
J. Houlder in Tatler magazine
J. Houlder
A Remarkable Wartime Story
The Houlders' legacy is also linked to a remarkable and little-known wartime story. According to a family friend, in 1939, John Houlder and Tony Everard flew to Czechoslovakia. During this trip, they were unexpectedly welcomed by the Luftwaffe, who invited them to lunch. In a daring act of courage and compassion, they smuggled a Jewish girl hidden in a carpet into their plane and flew her back to the UK. This story, reminiscent of the efforts of Sir Nicholas Winton, highlights the bravery and humanitarian spirit that characterized the Houlders.
Sir Nicholas Winton, often dubbed the "British Schindler," organized the rescue of 669 children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia, securing their safe passage to Britain. The Houlders' wartime rescue mission aligns with this legacy of courage and compassion, showcasing their commitment to humanitarian efforts during a perilous time.
John Houlder's memorial at Elstree Aerodrom, 2015.
The legacy of the Batas and the Houlders is a testament to the power of friendship, shared passions, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world. Through their philanthropic efforts, particularly in supporting WWF, and their personal bonds, they have left an enduring mark on both the conservation community and the lives of those they touched. Their story is a powerful reminder of how individual actions and relationships can contribute to a greater good, fostering a better world for all.
From preserving cultural heritage through the Bata Shoe Museum to advancing maritime innovation and rescuing lives during wartime, the contributions of the Bata and Houlder families are diverse and impactful. Their combined efforts in philanthropy, business, and personal bravery continue to inspire and influence generations to come.
Sonja Bata (R) World Economic Forum in Davos, 2010.
Davos 2010: A Meeting of Minds
On January 27, 2010, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Sonja Bata met with Professor Dominic John Houlder and Sir Andrew Likierman. This meeting highlighted the continued influence and connections of the Bata and Houlder families within global economic and philanthropic circles. The World Economic Forum, known for bringing together leaders from various sectors to discuss pressing global issues, provided a fitting backdrop for these influential figures to exchange ideas and reinforce their commitment to global development and sustainability.
World Economic Forum, Davos
Adjunct Prof. Dominic Houlder, Davos
Sir Andrew Likierman, Davos
Future of the cities, S.Africa
World Economic Forum in Davos 2010 - Experience South Africa.
Rody by Suzanne Clarke
Tatler magazine
Rody Houlder and I, Lukas Kroulik, spent many afternoons together reminiscing about the grand parties with the Batas and sharing stories about Sonja Bata's dynamic personality. Rody often spoke of how Sonja cleverly made her husband, John Houlder, bid at her fundraisers, ensuring their success.
We delved into her love for tennis, photoshoots, exquisite antique furniture, tapestries, fine fabric curtains, and her keen eye for fashion. She recounted the fascinating tale of being photographed as a debutante by Lord Snowdon, then a photographer and filmmaker known as Antony Armstrong-Jones. I had the honour of styling and art directing her for her last photoshoot with a photographer Suzanne Clarke at her beloved London home, capturing the essence of her remarkable life.
The Houlders and Lukas Kroulik in front of the tapestry.
In the heart of Costa Rica, under the moon's gentle glow, a mother leatherback turtle emerged from the depths of the ocean. With a determined grace, she made her way up the sandy shore, guided by an ancient instinct that had been passed down through generations.
As she reached the perfect spot, she began her ritual, digging a deep nest with her powerful flippers. Soon, she laid her precious eggs, each one a tiny promise of life. Despite the challenges she faced, from predators lurking in the shadows to the ever-present threat of human encroachment, she remained steadfast in her task.
Art installation'Millions of Eggs' inspired by 🥚 of the leatherback turtle, the largest living species of turtle, mixed media on plate by Lukas Kroulik, 2024.
Months passed, and one by one, the eggs hatched, filling the night with the joyful chirping of newborn turtles. Guided by the same instinct that brought their mother to this beach, they embarked on their perilous journey to the sea.
But the survival rate was uncertain. For every hundred hatchlings that scrambled towards the ocean, only a few would make it past the treacherous obstacles that awaited them. Yet, against all odds, some would survive, growing into majestic creatures that would one day return to this very beach to continue the cycle of life.
Despite the challenges they faced, there was hope in the air—a hope that with continued conservation efforts and the dedication of those who cared for these ancient creatures, the leatherback turtles would continue to thrive in the warm waters of Costa Rica, laying their eggs under the watchful gaze of the moon for generations to come.
