Greetings from my studio.
As the season changes and we move to the end of 2021, I’d like to share some of my new work and thoughts to close out the year.
Since the dawn of mankind, humans have created representations of animals in various artforms, from the cave walls of the southern African bushman to the tombs of the pharaohs. This highlights how important animals have been throughout history, not only to our survival, but how they have fired our imaginations, held our fascinations, and had great importance in our storytelling and expressions of creativity.
I have chosen to illustrate the Giraffe in my latest series of drawings because of my personal fascination with these peculiarly proportioned creatures. Giraffe forms have been depicted in art over centuries from the Dabous Giraffes petroglyphs in the Aïr Mountains of Niger to pharaonic tombs dating to the reign of Amenhotep II. The Giraffe has captivated humankind for millennia.
Zarafah.
Pen and ink on paper, 53.25 x 42.75 inches
The earliest known origins of the word Giraffe come from the Arabic word “zarafah.” History tells of the first Giraffe shipped from Alexandria to Rome by Caesar in 46 BC to be exhibited at the Roman games. This was the first Giraffe in Europe. Later, Giraffe assumed places of prominence in the menageries of emperors and kings as this megafauna was the epitome of exoticism. They were given as diplomatic gifts to appease enemies and flaunt extravagant wealth. Dominating such a large creature as the Giraffe was an appearance of strength. Imagine the electrifying awe of seeing a 17-foot wild beast leashed by men on display in the southern European landscape. “Giraffemania” and the Medici Giraffe inspired fashion and art and brought representations of the Giraffe into popular culture.
Qilin.
Pen and ink on paper, 60 x 40 inches
In 1414, the first Giraffe arrived in Beijing and was presented to Emperor Yongle by Admiral Zheng He, a gift from the King of Bengal and Sultan of Malindi. As the Giraffe was unknown to China at the time, Confucian scholars mistook it for the qilin, a mythical creature in the realm of the dragon and presented to the emperor as such. It is said to have been the pride of his menagerie and was the only one of his animals he commissioned to be painted. A second Giraffe would arrive a year later, but by 1433 China entered a period of isolationism and it is not known what became of the Emperor’s Giraffe. I often think of this story, this marvelous and peculiar creature arriving by Chinese treasure ship from a far-off land. Possessing this mythical creature was a symbol of power and good fortune for the emperor and people of the Middle Kingdom. Having grown up on safari with my family, I have many fond memories of Giraffe and how they move with such ease across the African bushveld like ships upon the ocean. No matter how many times I see Giraffe I am moved and captivated.
Camelopards
Pen and ink on paper, 45 x 64 inches
An archaic English name for Giraffe is Camelopard, a derivative of the Latin Camelopardalis, which describes its features – an amalgamation of a long-necked hooved camel with the striking coat of a leopard. The curiosity and appeal of these creatures comes from their extraordinary anatomical proportions and their deceptively gentle nature. In these large pen and ink drawings, I have chosen to highlight their remarkable anatomy, not only because it is pleasing to the eye and translates well in ink, but also to celebrate the Giraffe’s quizzical perfection. Giraffe, which are endemic to the African continent, have survived and thrived across sub-Sahara in harsh environments such as the Kalahari in Botswana and the arid deserts of northern Namibia. In more recent years, they have come under threat from habitat loss, fragmentation of their natural migration routes, and illegal hunting. Although the Giraffe has not had the same prominence as Elephant in global conservation initiatives, dedicated people are doing great work to protect them. Long may these beautiful bovids wander our wild spaces.
Follow the leader
Pen and ink on paper, 53.25 x 38.25 inches
“Follow the leader” is a continuation of my 2020 Elephant collection. As with all my pen and ink drawings, it is a study of and appreciation for the anatomy and texture of these wondrous animals as well as an expression of contrasting light and shadow. This distinctive composition represents the importance of young Elephants following and mimicking wiser adults. Early imprinting of behavior in Elephant is critical for their generational success. Increasing habitat encroachment, population pressures, and ecosystem changes highlight the greater need for seasoned matriarchal leadership in wild herds. As I write this, I have a heightened awareness of this parallel in our own lives as Jennifer and I are expecting our first child in March 2022. The next adventure awaits us, and it is sure to be the best one yet.
Several of these drawings are available for purchase. Please contact me if you would like more information.
Warm regards,
Brennan Seward