Lion Behind Glass at Cheyenne Mt. Zoo, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Digital Print on Aluminum

51x34cm

2014

The lion has reached almost every ancient culture as a symbol of strength, skill in hunting, and even magic. The Lion has been inspiring human created imagery as far back as 39,000 years ago with the Lion-human of Hohlenstein-Stadel in southwest Germany. I photographed this lion gazing back through the protective glass. Like a deposed monarch, he begs you to see his nobility and to value him for what he is, not as part of an afternoon outing for children

White Bengal Tiger Entertaining the crowd at the Renaissance Fair, Larksbur, Colorado

Digital Print on Aluminum

44x30cm

2015

The Chinese believed the white tigers were over 500 years old, and would only appear when their was peace across the world. This spirit is known as Byakko in Japan, and its image was used on sanctuary walls to frighten away evil spirits. Bengal Tigers were mounts for gods, or gods themselves, symbolizing protection. I photographed this tiger in a wild cats show entertaining fair visitors. Like the lion, his eyes show his realization of how he is being used and his desire to be free.

Red Tail Hawk on Display at the Renaissance Fair, Larksbur, Colorado

Digital Print on Aluminum

51x34cm

2015

The Hopi called him Palakwayo Chief Kachina of Second Mesa during Pachavu. The Cherokee considered the red-tail hawk a protector spirit, they adorned themselves with their feathers but refused to gain them by killing. Greeks saw hawks as messengers from Apollo, while Egyptians used them as an emblem of the soul. I photographed this hawk at a display to promote a raptor rescue program, and wanted to convey his defiant gaze and his realization that he is not free but he is not accepting his role as an exhibit to raise money.

Black Jaguar entertaining the crowd at the Renaissance Fair, Larksbur, Colorado

Digital Print on Aluminum

28x33cm

2015

To the Greeks, a black jaguar nursed the god Dionysus, to the Mayans they were omens of disaster. Aztec, Mayans, and Inca built them temples, envied their ability to see into the dark parts of the human heart, and wished to become half jaguar themselves. This was not just a way to become great warriors, they believed a person who could do this could shrug off their inhibitions, and act on their true desires. This photograph focuses on the eyes. As he is forced to entertain, he sees through the applause and realizes the emptiness in the members of the audience.

Emu waiting to be fed at Cheyenne Mt. Zoo, Colorado, Springs Colorado

Digital Print on Aluminum

48x34cm

2015

When the Indigenous people of Australia look to the southern cross, they see an Emu. Emu were considered great creator spirits who once flew over the land and were the king of all birds. The Gamilaraay tell of Birrangulu the emu, who is a goddess of fertility and one of the wives of Baiame the sky father. I photographed this emu to highlight her other-worldly femininity and tattered elegance, a queen made to wait on her subjects.

Mexican Grey Wolf waiting to be set free at Cheyenne Mt. Zoo, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Digital Print on Aluminum

51x24cm

2015

Wolves have always had a mixed relationship with humans. They were revered by hunters, hated by farmers. The Norse told tales of Fenrir, who the gods tried to contain, but he grew so large he devoured Odin, while his sons hunted celestial bodies. A wolf mother nursed Romulus and Remus in Roman myth, making them stronger than other men. Zoroastrians believed they were made by the evil spirit Ahriman, while the Navajo would call on wolves to heal the ill. This wolf is part of a capture and release program and is photographed looking at the gate through which freedom will come. He is calm, the eternal hater of domesticity, waiting for his time.

Grizzly Bear being called for feeding time at Cheyenne Mt. Zoo, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Digital Print on Aluminum

51x34cm

2015

To the Ute he was the king of the animal nation, and the one they looked to for guidance in matters of strength and wisdom.The Finnish goddess Mielikki, traveled past the moon to find materials to make the perfect animal, a bear. Some believe that the famous King Arthur's name sake was from Artaois the bear god, which he used as his emblem. I photographed this bear head down, walking slowly to his provided food, a spirit diminished by the need to be supported by those who can't appreciate his majesty.

American Lynx avoiding annoying children at Cheyenne Mt. Zoo, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Digital Print on Aluminum

51x34cm

2015

The living embodiment of elusive mystery as the keeper of secrets. Northern European cultures envied their eyesight and believe it perceives hidden truths and falsehoods. Accademia dei Lincei literally translates to Academy of the Lynx-Eyed, and chose for the emblem a lynx battling Cerberus. This lynx is shown eyeing a group of children who are trying to get his attention and shows in his gaze, that he can see their pettiness and inadequacy, even though they feel superior.

American Paint Horse wandering the fence line of a field, Taos, New Mexico

Digital Print on Aluminum

51x34cm

2015

In Norse mythology the horses Árvakr and Alsviðr pull the sun across the sky. Bucephalus was as feared and respected as his master Alexander the Great. Embarr, was the famous mount of the Irish god Lugh, Hengroen was the stallion the bore King Arthur. When the Spanish brought Horses to the new continent, the Ute brought them into their culture making them greater warriors. They have always been our siblings, lifting us up do what we could not. This horse, showing the paint markings of the traditional Native American was pony, wanders a fence line and looks to the plains where he once roamed free.

American Bald Eagle climbing down her enclosure at Cheyenne Mt. Zoo, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Digital Print on Aluminum

34x51cm

2015

The Celts across Europe considered the eagle to be the most ancient of animal, the Greeks saw them as symbol of Zeus himself. They have always had a connection to the spirt world as they majestically glide between heaven and earth. The Ashaninka eagles carry deceased people's souls to the afterworld. Pueblo tribes saw them as one of the directional guardians, The Ute believed the eagle delivered their prayers to the creator. This caged eagle is magnificent but cast down, her flight to the gods stopped by injury, but she retains his dignity.

Black Rhino wondering what the humans are doing at Cheyenne Mt. Zoo, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Digital Print on Aluminum

48x33cm

2017

The San (the first people of Africa) believed the Rhino held the knowledge of fire. Khaggavisana Sutta in early Buddist cannon suggested the lonely wanderer should be emulated. "Renouncing violence for all living beings, harming not even a one; You would not wish for offspring, so how a companion? Wander alone like a rhinoceros". A Tharu folk tale tells of how Viswakarma twisted the best parts of all animals into "...a masterpiece of imperfection. -Hemanta Mishra in his memoir, The Soul of the Rhino. This Rhino is still wandering alone, but only as far as we allow him to,