Animal Series: “The Witness of the Wild”
“In His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” (Job 12:10). This series explores the “Silent Song” of the created - capturing the gaze of creatures who live in a state of unveiled trust and reminding us of the God who sustains every breath.
Technical note:
“These pieces are created through a process of ‘uncovering.’ Using different methods using decoupage, subtraction method in mixed media, I begin with deep layers of acrylic, ink, and oil. I then carefully carve back into the surface to reveal the light. This technique mirrors the way the ‘Light of the World’ reveals the hidden beauty of the created. From the trust found in the ‘Gaze’ to the intricate patterns of fur and form, each stroke is an invitation to listen to the silent song of the wild- a reminder that the life of every creature is held securely in His hand.”
SANCTUARY AT THE SOURCE > Mixed Media and Oil on stretched Canvas, 80/50cm. The water hole is more than a resource; it is a sacred sanctuary of communal rest. This piece captures the rhythmic elegance of the wild, where the high-contrast stripes of the zebras harmonise with the rugged textures of the river rocks. It represents a moment where the harshness of the journey meets the softness of divine provision. “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for You, my God” (Psalm 42:1)
RYTHMS OF WILD GRACE > Mixed Media and Oil on stretched canvas, 60/50cm. Set against the ancient silhouette of the Boabab tree, this piece explores the intersection of endurance and elegance. The zebras are depicted not just as inhabitants of the plains, but as participants in a grand, rhythmic design. The sprawling branches of the “Tree of Life” reach upward, mirroring the vertical strength of the herd below and creating a sense of deep-rooted stability. “He makes grass grow for people to cultivate - bringing forth food from the earth.” (Psalm 104:14)
CROWN OF CONTENTMENT > Mixed Media and Oil Paint on unstreched Canvas, 42/30cm. This piece presents a portrait of tranquility. The deer, often a symbol of the soul longing for the Creator, is adorned with a vibrant “crown of blossoms”. It captures a state of bing where the creature is not just surviving the wild, but thriving in a state of spiritual abundance. “You crown the year with Your bounty, and carts overflow with abundance.” (Psalm 65:11)
GILDED GUARDIANSHIP > Mixed media and Oil on stretched canvas, 40/50cm. In the hour of the savannah, the lion stands as a sentinel of the plains. This piece moves away from the communal scenes of the herd to focus on the individual weight of leadership and protection. The “Gilded” quality refers not just to the light hitting the mane, but to the divine calling of the guardian - One who watches over the land with steady, unshakeable resolve.
KINDRED COVENANT > This piece explores the profound intersection of power and vulnerability. We see the traditional boundaries of the wild dissolved by a higher peace. It is a portrait of the Kingdom of the Creator, where strength is not used to overpower, but to protect, and the vulnerable find their ultimate safety in the shadow of the Almighty. “The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.” (Isaiah 11:6) | Mixed Media and oil on 100% Cotton paper, 45/55cm.
GRACE OF THE NIGHT WATCHMAN > Mixed Media and Oil paint on unstreched canvas, 42/30cm. The “dialogue” moves from the vast savannah into the intimate spaces of the home. This piece features the cat - a silent, domestic sentinel. While the lion guarded the plains, this watchman represents the quiet vigilance found in the ordinary moments. It is a study of poise and presence, reminding us that the Creator’s “watchful eye” is present in the small and the familiar just as much as the grand and the wild. “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8)