12” x 12”
This painting is inspired by my deep love for National Parks and the natural world. During a guided tour of Yellowstone led by a local biologist, I was moved by his stories of observing and protecting grizzly bears. That experience sparked a lasting respect and affection for these magnificent creatures and the ecosystems they inhabit.
Bear No. 399, often called the "Queen of the Tetons," has become a symbol of resilience and beauty in the wild. After she was struck by a vehicle in the Snake River Canyon near Grand Teton National Park, I felt compelled to create a piece that speaks to the growing threats facing wildlife today. These include human-caused and natural wildfires, hunting, habitat loss due to development and resource extraction, the increasing number of visitors to our parks, and the harmful presence of litter and unsecured food. The ghost cubs in the painting represent both the fading past and the uncertain future of the grizzly bear—symbolizing the loss of generations due to these mounting threats.
This painting is not intended as a judgment but as an invitation—to reflect on how our choices impact the natural world. Like many, I enjoy the beauty and accessibility of these wild places. My hope is that this work inspires greater awareness, deeper respect, and a commitment to tread more thoughtfully on the land we share.
12” x 12”
This painting is inspired by my deep love for National Parks and the natural world. During a guided tour of Yellowstone led by a local biologist, I was moved by his stories of observing and protecting grizzly bears. That experience sparked a lasting respect and affection for these magnificent creatures and the ecosystems they inhabit.
Bear No. 399, often called the "Queen of the Tetons," has become a symbol of resilience and beauty in the wild. After she was struck by a vehicle in the Snake River Canyon near Grand Teton National Park, I felt compelled to create a piece that speaks to the growing threats facing wildlife today. These include human-caused and natural wildfires, hunting, habitat loss due to development and resource extraction, the increasing number of visitors to our parks, and the harmful presence of litter and unsecured food. The ghost cubs in the painting represent both the fading past and the uncertain future of the grizzly bear—symbolizing the loss of generations due to these mounting threats.
This painting is not intended as a judgment but as an invitation—to reflect on how our choices impact the natural world. Like many, I enjoy the beauty and accessibility of these wild places. My hope is that this work inspires greater awareness, deeper respect, and a commitment to tread more thoughtfully on the land we share.
