When Terez “Firewoman” Hartmann, a local, positively-focused artist, realized that her song, “Beautiful, Wild and Free,” and likeness were included in what is now the #1 Netflix series in America, she was nothing short of stunned. And the barrage of both glowing – and negative – feedback that flooded in, was beyond anything she could have imagined. Amid the recent Covid19/Corona Virus scare and world-wide quarantine, millions have turned to, “Tiger King,“ a show that makes the pandemic look like a peaceful walk in the park.
“I just wanted to share a song about my love for nature, and was deeply inspired by my experience with the cats, and the clear demonstration of the quality care, love & respect I witnessed during a visit to Big Cat Rescue,” said Terez. She continues, “It was truly an honor that an organization as large as Big Cat Rescue chose to adopt my song as their ‘theme song/anthem,’ and the fact that they were more than willing to provide me with whatever resources I needed to film & share a music video, was a dream-come true for an independent, emerging singer-songwriter like me.”
Terez further stated, “Though I have evolved as an artist since I recorded that initial version of the song over 10 years ago, and have since created a new version of “Beautiful, Wild & Free,” there are SO many things I would do differently now (including ONLY showing images of big cats roaming FREE), I WAS truly proud of the video at the time. Whatever may or may not have transpired in the personal life of Carol Baskin, it would truly be a shame to lose sight of the good work that Big Cat Rescue has done ALL these years, for if we did, the CATS would be ones to suffer.”
When a representative of Royal Goode Productions approached Terez in late 2019 about using her work for a conservation-related documentary, she was initially hesitant about releasing a song & video that had been created when she was still very “green” as an artist. But when she had the understanding that the focus of this work would ultimately be part of the solution for big cats, AND give her video sponsor (Big Cat Rescue) some positive press, she decided to “get over herself,” and embrace the opportunity.
When the show premiered, and it became clear that “the documentary,” was “Tiger King,” and Terez discovered the storyline of the show, she was literally in a state of shock. As an artist, speaker, and content creator who has a reputation for promoting positivity and “Good Vibes,” this show was a stark contrast to her core focus. And, when she realized that, rather than helping Big Cat Rescue, it seemed to do the exact opposite, the first thought she had was, “What have I done?”
As more and more of her friends & associates recognized her song & likeness in “Tiger King,” and the number of people who had viewed the show soared to over 40 million, it became clear that she needed to use her own positive thinking tools to find a way to make peace with this idea.
During her personal exploration, and after some fan feedback, she realized that for many, her song got to show a little light amid a very dark theme, and that though her creation was still in amateur form, several people were recognizing and feeling the passion, love, and intent behind her work. She also discovered that Director Eric Goode, was a passionate conservationist, founder of an organization she had contributed to in the past (The Turtle Conservancy), and that he also strives to do good things for wildlife through his work.
Terez shares this takeaway from her experience, “Though artists and conservationists may use dramatically different methods to accomplish their goal, anyone who hopes to see all animals living ‘Beautiful, Wild and Free’, is essentially playing for the same team. No matter how dark or uncertain things may get, if you stay open and willing to look for the light, you are far more likely to find it.”
To hear the full story behind her wild ride with “Tiger King” check it out on YouTube at:
About Terez Firewoman Hartmann:
Visionary Creative, Singer-Songwriter, “Good Vibe” Influencer, Keynote Speaker, Author, Content Creator, Renaissance Woman and Human-BEING on a Journey. Terez is a sensitive-creative “Catalyst for Fab-YOU-lous” who uses her music, words, content, and experiences to help others allow “Good Vibes,” and live life on FIRE.
https://www.terezfirewoman.com