Photo Credit: Maria Marriott Photography
“Slippery-smooth rhythmic motion, absolute single-minded purpose, motion for the pleasure of motion itself. It was terrible in its beauty, the flight of the horse.” – Larry Niven, Rainbow Mars
In the discipline of interior design, where every piece tells a story and every element contributes to the narrative of a space, the choice of artwork holds immense significance.
In speaking with my collectors, I find that their experience runs the gamut: from connoisseurs who know exactly how a certain piece will contribute to the aesthetic of their space, to those learning to appreciate art and working to infuse character and elegance into their living spaces. Everyone is on a different part of their journey, but the intent is the same: to have our living spaces reflect our tastes - and for the art we display to bring a sense of awe and inspiration.
Although I admit to being a little biased in this respect, I believe that a carefully selected piece of wild horse artwork can accomplish both goals, making a statement of refined taste, while conveying an appreciation for the American wild.
The Process of Creating Wild Horse Photography
Having spent years as both a photographer and an equestrian, I have developed a deep appreciation for the beauty and power of the American wild horses. But it is definitely an undertaking to create a piece of wild horse artwork. I have spent the past few years following and photographing herds of wild horses across the Western states in order to create several collections of wild horse fine art.
Photo Credit: Maria Marriott Photography
Through my lens, I strive not just to capture images but to convey the stories of these wild mustangs and their importance in the collective American imagination and identity. And, I believe, this is what becomes most compelling to my collectors, in that each image I release has a story in itself - a visual narrative of freedom, strength, perseverance and resilience.
Elegance and Emotion in Hardship
Many in our country don’t realize that wild horses still roam the wilderness - much less, realize that their freedom and safety are at risk because of competing interests. As civilization has expanded, and commercial interests compete for the best available land, wild horses - the descendants of animals re-introduced into North America by early Spanish explorers - have increasingly retreated into the most desolate, uninhabitable parts of the American wilderness.
As I have tracked and photographed wild horse herds across these rugged landscapes, I have come to deeply appreciate the different kind of beauty they represent. And their relentless resilience and determination to survive, regardless of the situation, have inspired me.
Photo Credit: Maria Marriott Photography
My approach to photography focuses on creating intimate and minimal compositions that are brimming with emotion - images that tell the story of these icons of the West and their importance in our heritage. Images that are transformative, in that they cause the public to think differently about American mustangs.
Wild Horse Photography As Art
The foundation of good photography is light; or, more accurately, the interplay of light, shadow, and form to convey depth and emotion. The foundation of good art is laid on technical skill and originality.
Or, to think about it another way, I like to ask these questions as I assess photographic artwork for my own home:
⁃ Is the image technically excellent? Essentially, has the photographer captured a unique image that is proficient in the use of light? One test of this is to understand whether a certain image will hold up to being produced in very large scale (for example, sizes 4’x6’ or larger).
⁃ Does the image make me see the subject in a different way? Essentially, has the artist used compositional elements, transformation, or some other technique to create a different perspective? The real test of this is to ascertain how the image impacts your emotions and imagination; whether it simply represents reality or whether it causes you to think beyond reality.
In my portfolio, you will notice both black and white wild horse photography and color equine art. I invite you to compare and contrast the two approaches and how they make you feel.
Photo Credit: Maria Marriott Photography
On one hand, a monochromatic palette strips away distractions, allowing you to focus on the raw beauty and essence of the subjects. I have chosen this palette for much of my work in order to focus attention on the primary subject and create a certain mood.
On the other hand, the subjects and textures in certain images lend themselves perfectly to convey either a sense of wonder or a sense of intimacy through the use of color.
Creating (Interior) Spaces
The juxtaposition of raw beauty and untamed wilderness against refined interior design elements creates a dynamic and stylish atmosphere. In this context, wild horse fine art photography becomes a conversation starter, an invitation to engage, and a focal point that draws the eye and sparks curiosity.
Combining rugged, rustic elements with refined touches in interior design conveys sophistication and creates a harmonious balance that brings a unique character to the space. The union of these contrasting elements adds depth and visual interest, resulting in a truly compelling aesthetic space.
Photo Credit: Maria Marriott Photography
By incorporating rugged materials like reclaimed wood, exposed brick, or distressed finishes, we infuse a sense of authenticity and warmth into the space. These elements evoke a connection to nature and the past, adding a touch of nostalgia and charm - and combine naturally with wild horse artwork.
On the other hand, incorporating refined elements such as sleek furniture, elegant lighting fixtures, or lustrous accessories introduce a level of sophistication and refinement.
This interplay between rugged and refined creates a dynamic tension that elevates the overall design - an intriguing blend of simplicity and elegance. The combination of these elements results in a space that feels inviting, cozy, and effortlessly stylish.
The Museum-Quality Standard
When it comes to integrating art into your interior design, quality is paramount. That’s why I adhere to museum-quality standards in creating each piece of wild horse fine art photography.
A classic look is created using archival fine art paper and ink with an elegant gallery frame. By using archival fine art paper and ink, I ensure that the artwork not only enhances your space visually but also stands the test of time for generations to come.
Photo Credit: Maria Marriott Photography
A modern aesthetic is created with unframed metal pieces. A printing technique called dye sublimation on aluminum creates artwork that is resistant to scratching, peeling, breakage, and fading. This medium uses a process that infuses dye into the aluminum through an extreme heating process to achieve vivid colors and a long lifespan.
Explore Wild Horse Fine Art Collection at Maria Marriott Photography!
I invite you to explore my collections of wild horse fine art, which have been curated over many years of following and photographing the American wild mustangs across the Western United States.
Each of my images is meant to stir the imagination, take you on a visual journey, and to help you connect with the untamed beauty of the American wild.
To view more images and discover the stories behind the creation of my artwork, please visit MariaMarriott.com.