Early this year (2020) I was honored by playing a small part in the effort to re-introduce gray wolves to Colorado’s western slopes by painting "Advocate for Equilibrium", a tribute to Yellowstone’s Wolf 8. Wolf 8 was an underdog who, against all the odds, proved to be a caring leader, pack member, litter mate, breeding partner, mate, and sire. In short, an example to all of us.  

    Many of you may wonder what process I followed to produce “Advocate for Equilibrium” - like all my paintings, my inspiration comes primarily from the emotional connection I feel to the subject. During  the early phase of painting, I received a copy of Rick McIntyre’s book “The Rise of Wolf 8” - and the emotional bond began to form. After reading Rick’s book, I was overwhelmed with respect for BOTH Wolf 8 AND his adopted son, 21. To further understand wolves, I visited a wonderful Wolf Sanctuary in Colorado to feel a wolf’s fur, to see how they move, to deepen the bond I was beginning to feel. I was greeted by a magnificent male who looked deeply into my eyes from a distance of a few inches, and it was then that I saw what most will never understand: the balanced, serene majesty of an apex predator, absent of malice, full of life and hope, a product of a greater creative force than mankind can ever aspire to.

“Advocate for Equilibrium “ represents both wolves 8 and 21. After reading Rick’s book I was unable to separate them. Creating this piece has been an emotional journey for me, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity.