Collected Moments of Survival

  Fragments I There is something curious that happens when you spend long enough in wild places. At first, like most people, you arrive with expectation. You hope to see something. You look constantly toward the horizon, scanning the landscape for movement, for activity, for that moment of discovery that justifies the journey. But nature rarely works on our timetable. Over time I have learned that finding what you seek is not always about searching harder. More often, it requires the exact opposite. It requires stillness. Working on my recent encounters with Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra has reminded me of this lesson repeatedly. In the harsh and often unforgiving environment in which they survive, nothing happens quickly. Water is never assumed. Shelter is scarce. Movement is deliberate. Energy is conserved. And so, in order to truly observe them, one has to begin surrendering one’s own sense of urgency. Waiting becomes part of the process. I have spent long periods simply sitting qu...

A desert lioness meets up with a porcupine on a dune amidst swirling mists on the Skeleton Coast of Namibia. (Photograph that inspired this artwork was supplied by Desert Lion Conservation). The Resilient Namibian Desert Lions of the Skeleton Coast Namibia's Skeleton Coast is a harsh and unforgiving landscape known for its rugged beauty and extreme conditions. Amidst the red desert sands and rocky shoreline, a special population of lions has adapted to survive in this challenging environment - the Namibian Desert Lions. These majestic creatures have captured the hearts of conservationists and tourists alike, but their existence is threatened by a myriad of challenges. Challenges The Namibian Desert Lions face a host of challenges that make survival in the Skeleton Coast a constant struggle. One of the main issues they face is human-wildlife conflict, as the lions often come into contact with local communities who see them as a threat to their livestock. This leads to retaliatory ki...

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...

  While out searching for gambroo (a wild plant resembling a cucumber) a group of sisters of the desert came across a wily old Mantis. Knowing that children are curious and could possibly try to capture him the old Mantis used his magic powers to transform himself into a Hartebees. The Mantis also knew that these children would not be carrying knives and therefore would not be able to dismember his body with the flint knives that they knew how to fashion out of stone.   However, when the children straw him stretched out on the sand they saw that his horns were turned backwards. They jumped for joy at the sight of this great animal just lying there and knew that there would be great celebration that night if they took home the meat. The older children had learned how to strike the stone in just the right way to make a knife and they set about it with great fervour.   As they were skinning the Hartebeest the Mantis snatched back his skin and the children had to work togethe...

Baby's in Charge Charcoal on Paper Available as Limited Edition Prints Size A5 - A1 Awarded 3rd Prize in The Golden Turtle 2015 (Russia) Prints can be ordered from christine@christinelamberth.co.za This is a repost of a story previously published with the photographs I took as inspiration for my drawing. Hope you enjoy taking a little trip back down memory lane. It is our last day in the Etosha National Park today and we decide to only visit our favourite waterholes. After a quick visit to Blesbokfontein waterhole where we are lucky enough to get a black rhino out in the open we head off to Rietfontein, an active waterhole where we are guaranteed some action. By now I even have a favourite spot to park to get the best shots on offer and we wait. We are not disappointed as wave after wave of elephants pass us by. Finally, the big herd arrives. Today, instead of going around the back of the waterhole they pass close by as there is a group of rambunctious young males spl...

Title:  The Gaze Size: 70cm x 90cm Charcoal on Paper Framed in White Wood Frame Available from Fine Art Gallery, Swakopmund, Namibia THE YOUNG MAN OF THE ANCIENT RACE, WHO WAS CARRIED OFF BY A LION; WHEN ASLEEP IN THE FIELD While out hunting a young man ascended a hill as this was the best lookout post where he could wait. The sun was beating down and as the young man waited patiently he suddenly started feeling very sleepy. He decided that as it was so very hot he would first lie down and sleep before he started out on his hunt. While he was sleeping a lion came walking by heading to the nearby waterhole as he was very thirsty. The lion saw the man sleeping in the noonday sun and very carefully he picked up the man and carried him off. The man awoke startled. He then realised that he was now in the grips of a lion.   He decided that it would be best to not to react and to pretend to be dead as the lion appeared to think that he was dead. Should he move, the...

Lion Cubs waiting for their mother to return from hunting.  When you've acquired a taste for dust, The scent of our first rain, You're hooked for life on Africa And you'll not be right again Till you can watch the setting moon And hear the jackals bark And know that they're around you, Waiting in the dark. When you long to see the elephants. Or hear the coucal's song, When the moonrise sets your blood on fire, You've been away too long Its time to cut the traces loose And let your heart go free Beyond that far horizon, Where your spirit yearns to be. Africa is waiting - come! Since you've touched the open sky And learned to love the rustling grass, The wild fish-eagles cry. You'll always hunger for the bush, For the lion's rasping roar, To camp at last beneath the stars And to be at peace once more. C. Emily Dibb Original art available. Marsh Babies Size  79cm x 156cm Beautifully framed in a white wood frame Can ...