July2006

What’s New - July 2006

It has been months since I sat at the keyboard to bring this page up to date and I find too many thoughts flashing before me to be able to winnow out the most significant. Here goes….

It is summer harvest time in the Heartland. As we drive north through Oklahoma and Kansas , the rolling fields of wheat are being swept clear of their golden bounty. Reaching Nebraska , we find the crops still green with their new growth. It evokes the transformation of the Serengeti as the start of the Long Rains quenched the thirsty savannah and within days brought life to the grasses and wildlife. We go from gold to green almost as quickly as the wheels turn beneath us.

Why Nebraska ? To check on our Longhorns, of course! It’s our annual trip to Chimney Rock where I can ride out among the Longhorns on the Durnal Ranch and revel in the beauty of the Western plains. The scenery glides past in a soothing dreaminess that allows my mind to drift back through recent events and glean the many bits of pure gold.

Earlier this year I was faced with the loss of my Daddy. At 95 years old, he represented the passing of a generation that left its mark on our country and the world. Among his many lessons to us, this true Old Man of the Mountains taught us selfless loyalty to our loved ones, to treat every challenge with a sense of humor, to love the beauty of nature and to seek our adventures wherever the road might lead us. He taught me to look at the world with wonder in my eyes. And with each new wonder I see I know he is sharing it with me.

Safari 2006

(06 Safari Day 10)

My fourth time in Africa was as overpowering as the first. It is a timeless mystery and yet it is always fresh with new marvels to thrill the senses.

Leading our group of 18, Chuck and I delighted in showing them our favorite places in Tanzania . Bringing the relief of drenching nighttime rains with us, the land and wildlife bounced to their feet like the newborn wildebeest calves around us. As we entered the Serengeti amidst the migration, shafts of sunrays lit up the rock kopjes like molten silver. Sighting a pair of lions honeymooning atop one of those kopjes was a crowning event for all of us as they courted and began a stroll alongside our vehicles. It is an image awaiting me on my drawing table as I write this….awaiting my own type of harvest.

From camp to camp we sang and laughed. We danced and leapt (or tried to) with the Maasai guarding our camp, delivered school supplies to orphans and tried to absorb the very essence of Africa with every breath. As one person in our group so aptly put it, “I expected to love the beauty of the land, to be overwhelmed by the animals, but I never expected to fall in love with the people”.

Safari 2008

Plans are already underway for a safari to Tanzania in February-March 2008. The dates and prices are still being defined for a smaller group of no more than 15 people to go with us on our next adventure. You don’t need to be an artist to join us, but I can promise you will begin to see Africa through the magical lenses of an artist’s eyes.

Details will be posted on this site as they become available. If you are interested in a life-changing journey with us, please contact us via email at ssteele@texas.net .

Shows

With half of the year already gone, this will just be a quick review of the first shows and an early notice of up-coming events.

January burst upon us with both the Safari Club International ( Reno , NV ) and Dallas Safari Club conventions. They were record-setting shows for us both in sales anticipation. There was barely enough time to begin filling the many orders before we left for Africa . The Texas Indian and Southwest Art Market ( Arlington , TX ) fell fast on the heels of our return and it took a supreme effort to pull our heads down out of the Tanzanian clouds. It was a great way to return to reality. Then the crowd of collectors at Cottonwood Park ( Richardson , TX ) and the Texas Arts and Crafts Festival ( Kerrville , TX ) gave us the burst of energy to carry us through the summer.

Words elude me when I try to describe the delight we feel when you, our collectors, drop by to share your most recent adventures. Often bringing new friends with you, I hope you can feel the joy your visits to our booth bring to us. Thank you for making me feel like we truly do have a family of friends to anticipate at each show.

Upcoming Shows

NEW - Copper Mountain , CO – September 1-2

Cottonwood Art Festival, Arlington , TX

Kerrville , TX Thanksgiving Weekend

New Works

“Pivot Point” (Gemsbok)

What began for me as a very muted piece in beiges quickly became a dynamic work with the striking markings on the Gemsbok. His distinctive, horse-like flare of tail punctuates his mid-stride pivot with style and elegance.

“Dressed To Impress” (Crane)

Fresh from our safari comes my first piece. Sighted on our first day in Arusha National Park , the beauty of the crowned cranes was reinforced day after day until they could no longer be denied. Glittering like spun gold, they carried their royal headdresses like regal monarchs.

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