Collected Moments of Survival

Beyond The Last Glance Charcoal on Paper 90cm x 70cm There is something about watching a wild animal move away from you that I find unexpectedly poignant. Perhaps it is because, as an observer, I am always aware that the encounter is temporary. I may have been sitting quietly for hours, watching the herd move around me, and then suddenly one animal turns and begins to walk away. There is an almost instinctive feeling that it might disappear forever. But of course, that is my story — not theirs. For the zebra, there is no sense of departure. Nothing has ended. It is simply moving on. It may be going towards water, back towards the herd, towards food, towards shelter. It may be responding to something I cannot see or hear. Whatever the reason, its life continues beyond the point at which I can see it. That distinction stayed with me when I made this drawing. I deliberately allowed much of the animal to disappear into the white space. There is enough of the body for us to understand that ...

For many years, my work unfolded through encounters with animals in the wild — moments gathered during travel, observation, and long periods of waiting. I wrote about some of these encounters, photographed many more, and slowly translated a number of them into artworks. At the time, I understood this simply as practice: moving through landscapes, noticing what revealed itself, and trying to hold those moments with care. Over time, a different understanding began to form. What I was witnessing was not only beauty, rarity, or even vulnerability, but something quieter and more constant — endurance . Animals continuing within landscapes increasingly shaped by human proximity. Movements adjusted. Timings altered. Paths remembered. Survival not as a single dramatic event, but as a continuous, attentive act. The name Collected Moments of Survival has emerged from this realisation. It is not a departure from my earlier work, but a clearer articulation of what has always been present with...

I have been lucky enough to be a resident Artist at a very special place, nestled on the edge of the Namib Naukluft Reserve in Namibia. A hidden gem known as Schlesien , an artist's retreat where tranquility and natural beauty merge seamlessly. This sanctuary is not just a place on the map; it is a state of mind, a haven for those seeking solace and inspiration in the heart of one of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth. The Oasis of Schlesien Schlesien is not your typical retreat; it's a sanctuary where the rhythm of life slows down, and the connection with nature deepens. As you arrive at this remote location, you are greeted by the sight of Hartmann Zebras grazing peacefully in the golden light of the Namibian sun. These majestic creatures are not just inhabitants of the reserve; they are protectors of the land, sharing their home with those who seek refuge in its tranquility. The Stone Cottage Your accommodation at Schlesien is a beautiful stone cottage, blending har...

My apologies for the "grey" background - its actually white but computers often make decisions of their own. There has to be a story. If there isn’t then, to me, its just a mindless little sketch that anyone could come up with.   One of the exciting things about travel is that there is a story to tell and my travels have taken me far and wide around the continent of Africa. And it’s there that I get my stories. You may have heard along the grapevine that I have managed, somehow, to get one of my artworks into the finals of The David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year 2024 #dsway. For those of you who haven’t heard of this event, it takes place every year and has been dubbed the Oscars of the Wildlife Art World! High praise indeed for an event that not only raises the game for artists but also puts Wildlife Conservation front and centre. The exhibition is at the prestigious Mall Galleries in London and this year, my artwork It’s Mine will hang on the walls. I thought, theref...

Its no secret that I am an avid admirer of Big Cats. But I have a special place in my heart for the cheetah. Their vulnerable status and their ability to survive against the odds makes them my favourite animal. As such I spend much time "hunting" them down in all the corners of the earth so that I can bring new and exciting artworks to light for your enjoyment. Here's a little information you may not know about the Cheetah. The African cheetah, scientifically known as Acinonyx jubatus, is one of the most revered and iconic predators on the African continent. Known for its incredible speed and striking appearance, the African cheetah possesses a combination of physical attributes that make it a truly unique and magnificent creature. However, despite its revered status, the African cheetah is currently facing the threat of extinction, and numerous conservation efforts are being made to protect this extraordinary species. Endangered Status and CITES Red Lists The African che...

The enviable view from my tent is just the thing to make a studio special. I have to admit that I am feeling a little depressed. If you consider that I am on my African adventure then that statement is even more depressing. (Not to worry it does brighten up in a bit). I am not sure if the reason for my depression is the unrelenting heat or the realization that there are some unrelenting 21st-century “things” I am not sure I can accept as part of who I am. The main reason, of course, for the African adventure is to get into the bush (that I so passionately love) and hopefully steep myself in its magic and peace. However, the reality is far from that, especially here at Etosha.   The first shock, I think, was the sheer number of tourists in the park on a daily basis. I will add that   I am on the western side of the pan at the very popular Anderson Gate entrance. Due to the fact that I only go into the park every second day I have to go and pay entrance fees each time (bureaucra...

A Rüppels Griffon vulture coming in to land. A Lappet-Faced Vulture up close. Sometimes, one writes something and uses references from personal experience only to find out later that perhaps what you said isn’t quite accurate. And so it was pointed out to me that the information I had been given about Africa’s vultures was not quite correct.  This set me off on a research binge and then I discovered that the correction to my information was not quite correct either, or should I say, it could not be set in stone as the only behaviour of certain vultures. I will explain. The incorrect information I was given is that the Hooded Vulture is the vulture first on the scene at a kill/carcass and that they will open up the carcass if there is no predator already doing the job. The correction I was given is that it is the Lappet Faced Vulture, with its strong beak will be first on the scene and will open up the carcass. However, there is a danger in generalizations and of course, I think...

A leopard tortoise on a dusty road. Would you see it if you were travelling at 60kph? Desert Dome, is available at Fine Art Gallery in Swakopmund. This morning the wildlife gods gave me a visit by a huge bull elephant at the waterhole just in front of my mobile studio. And while it was a breathtaking moment in the many moments Africa has to offer it brought on another train of thought. Etosha, I have to say, is not a shining example of conservation at work against the odds. It would seem, here, there is a far greater emphasis on tourism as opposed to conservation. It is such a great pity that we are losing the plot, so to speak. In the greater scheme of things, I would really like us to sit back and take stock of what we are doing. If, as we all say, we are supporting these initiatives, such as Etosha and many others, then we, as tourists should be more mindful, more educated, and more caring about what we are doing. Etosha, or should I rather say, NWR, in their wisdom, have decided th...

Welcome to Etosha National Park, where disappointment and dust go hand in hand! As you arrive at this renowned destination, you might find yourself wondering if you've stumbled upon a car race rather than a peaceful wildlife sanctuary. With cars zooming by at 60kph, it's no wonder that the air is constantly filled with a cloud of dust. Forget about having a picturesque safari experience - here, it's all about dodging dust particles! But wait, there's more! The facilities at Etosha National Park are not exactly top-notch. In fact, they might leave you feeling less than impressed. Prepare yourself for encounters with public toilets that could easily be mistaken for scenes from a horror movie. Yes, they are that disgusting! It seems like the park management missed the memo on cleanliness and basic hygiene. And if you were hoping to enjoy a lovely picnic amidst nature's beauty, think again. Etosha National Park seems to have forgotten the importance of providing ample p...

World Lion Day:  A Celebration of the Majestic King of the Savannah. Its been a bit of a Lion-fest here at Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park these past two days. I went off searching for a leopard yesterday and instead found a sleeping lion (after driving a couple of kms). I only had about an hour with him when along came a maintenance crew whose presence he disdainfully observed by moving off out of sight. Luckily I had got a couple of photos which will soon become new artworks! Then the long drive back started out only to be interrupted by another sighting of a lion, this one had managed to nab himself an Oryx and he was lying in the bush cooling down next to his precious meal. The end of the day came and we had to hotfoot it out of the park. So, this morning, off we set again and there he was, still next to his kill but luckily this time, in the perfect morning light, he was visible. And much to our surprise we spied a 3 cheetah coalition on the opposite side of the riverbed observin...

I have now been in the Kalahari for three weeks and sadly I have not done one blog entry, despite the fact that every day there is something new to show.  This has to stop and from now there will be more about my travels each week. I'll just jump in with yesterday but may end up reflecting a little more on days gone by.  Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is a very different kind of game viewing experience. Distances are long and the roads are not always the best in the world but each and every day there is something else. Yesterday, despite the fact that I did not see too many animals of the feline persuasion that I could photograph there were many other opportunities. And the oddest one so far, was the black back jackal. We came upon 5 individuals who were looking a little testy with each other. After much looking through binoculars and camera lenses I finally worked out what the reason was for the gathering. There was a bundle of fur lying under a tree. Despite desperately trying...