But the happiest thing to do, if you can do it,
is fill people with a sense of wonder.
For a moment my studio is silent. No tapping of my pens, no rustling of the pages of my journals, and a barren drawing table before me. Even my mind has calmed before the next image begins to form and the whirring begins again. This is the time to absorb the joys of the past year and to open myself up to the gifts of the year ahead. Here is one of those unexpected gifts from last year.
A quick recap:
Slowing our horses from full gallop to a slow trot gave us more time to breathe. Cutting back to only three shows this year meant less stress for Chuck and more time at the table for me. It definitely takes us longer to get ready for ANYTHING than it used to take.
Safari 2025- Dare I say it was the Best Ever?!! I know, I always say that, but this time it was extraordinary. Kick-started by climbing the first 8,000 ft. on Mt. Kilimanjaro, our group of 12 bonded as we were immersed in the culture and wonders of Tanzania. Sightings and direct encounters with over 60 big cats, including 9 Leopards, not to mention the 11 Black Rhinos and the smaller Servals and Caracal, made the short list. All that was missing was having Chuck with us to lead the singing!
Safari 2027 is already scheduled. It is what keeps my well of inspiration full and the fire to create burning.
New Works:
While the number of completed major pieces remains at a steady pace of only 4 per year, their size and complexity has increased. I feel like my work has been pushed to a whole new level. You can find all of these on my website www.sherrysteele.net and it only takes a phone call or email to add one to your collection.
Challenge On The Zambezi
Looking like he had been dipped in paint, the Bull Elephant whirled to challenge us. A late afternoon cruise across the mighty Zambezi to a small island brought us alongside this massive bull swimming against the current. Reaching the island, with one powerful surge he rose up out of the water and spun to face us head on. Offended by our presence after catching him when he was most vulnerable, he made it clear we were not welcome. Defying us to come any closer with a second threat, he quickly, silently, disappeared into the bush as only an elephant can. If he had only known how comical he looked with the mask left on his face by the water!
A Moment With Mom
Only his mother knows. Precious is the time for a Cheetah Cub to snuggle against his mother before the harsh realities of life in the Serengeti intrude once again. She has fed her family well and protected them from every threat, so far. The dangers of the hunt, the menace of marauding lions, and the risk of aggressive male cheetahs have kept her ever vigilant. All too soon the daily risks will begin again, but until then they can relish the bond between mother and son. Sharing this moment with them on a morning in the Ndutu was one I have saved for many years, waiting for its time to come out.
“His Rock, His Kingdom”
The Serengeti, where the Land shapes the creatures and the Millennia have shaped the land. Crossing the Endless Sea of Grass there, atop one of the Kopjes, a pair of lions rested and surveyed their kingdom. Honeymooners taking a break before continuing their romance. Fractured by the ages, the worn and craggy features of the rock had taken on a life of their own in the glow of the setting sun. Sculpted by the force of time, there was no need for fictionalized shapes or faces, they were already there. The sight haunted me for twenty years, patiently waiting for me to develop new methods with my pens. Until it could wait no more. I needed those years to practice, to visualize, and to push my pens to a new level. At times wishing I could use a pallet knife to carve the rock, instead it took layer upon layer of dots and strokes to create the depth of the fissures and infuse it with the glow of an African sunset. I am glad I waited.
“Working Nine to Five”
It’s the strut, the stalk, the stomp, and the strike that have always made Secretary Birds a favorite of mine Stiff Quills flaring on the back of their head as the hunt intensifies, gave them their name. Nearly 4 ½ feet tall, their gangly legs look like a handicap, until they are turned into deadly weapons. Capturing the elegance, grace, and power of these long-legged eagles has kept me stymied. Whether lit by the rising sun in their nest atop an acacia tree, or hunting in the long grass as a team, they are always mesmerizing. While on safari in the Serengeti this year I was finally given my moment as she hunted in the scrub.
Upcoming Shows:
Please stay tuned for updates and details.
Texas Masters of Fine Arts and Crafts Show
May 22, 23, 24 at the YO Hotel, Kerrville, TX
Dallas Safari Club Summer Expo
July23-25 at the Gaylord Texan, Grapevine, TX
Thank you to each of you who have followed my often sporadic posts on Facebook and Instagram