The Scimitar-horned Oryx is one of the most beautiful
and interesting of the antelope species. Extinct in the wild, the species
is being kept alive by captive breeding programs such as the one at
Bamberger Ranch Preserve in Johnson City, Texas. The hope is to one
day return the Oryx to its native land in a genetically sound, healthy
population. Habitat destruction and over hunting have led to its demise.
In preparation to do this piece of art Margaret
Bamberger took me out into the Oryx preserve so I could study and photograph
the animals. They are quite wild, difficult to approach and beautiful
to watch as they race away from us in the tall, golden grass. I learned
that these Oryx can use their rapier like horns as fierce weapons and
have been known to impale lions in their life and death battles.
Thus the concept of this image developed as I
imagined a group of Oryx faced with hungry lions. They are all watching
the lions intently and the male with his head down does a threat posture.
The tension in the animals is palpable as they prepare themselves to
flee and if necessary, fight. The concept of struggle is symbolic of
the plight that these animals face with extinction. The wood that I
selected represents a sunset with clouds forming though light is still
visible and shines brightly on the Oryx. The wood itself is illustrative
of the enduring struggle between hope and despair.
Though its future looks bleak there is still hope
for the Oryx.
50 percent of the profits of each limited edition
print of “Sahara Sunset” will go to Bamberger Ranch Preserve to help save the Oryx.
To learn more about the Preserve’s endangered species breeding
program go to:
www.bambergerranch.org
Sahara Sunset; the End of an Age
Limited Edition - $85.00
Image size – 9.5 x 18
Edition size – 500
Pyro-engraving by Kathleen Marie Wilson
www.kathleenmariestudio.com
All images are printed on acid free 300 lb. paper (Giclees) or high quality acid free photo paper. Prints are sold unframed. Care has been taken to match the images on these pages to the actual prints. However, some variation in color may occur.
