“And indeed, a horse who bears himself proudly is a thing of such beauty and astonishment that he attracts the eyes of all beholders. No one will tire of looking at him as long as he will display himself in his splendor.”
- Xenophon
In the vast and untamed landscapes of the American West, I find constant inspiration in the majestic beauty of wild horses.
Hi, I am Maria Marriott, a photographer who has been following and photographing America’s wild horses for several years, capturing beautiful images of mustangs in their natural habitat.
Through my lens, I strive to offer a unique perspective that allows viewers to connect with these magnificent creatures on a deeply emotional level.
In this blog, I’ll share my journey as an artist and discuss the driving force behind my passion for wild horse fine art photography.
A Lifelong Affair with Photography and Horses
My story began in Brazil, where I pursued my passion for photography by earning a degree in Photojournalism. This background, and photo assignments around the city of Rio de Janeiro, not only allowed me to hone my technical skills but also instilled in me a desire for capturing authentic moments and emotions in my images.
Simultaneously, my love for horses had always been an integral part of my life, having ridden from an early age and through the present.
The Fateful Encounter: From Domestic to Wild Horses
It was a serendipitous moment that changed my artistic path forever. When my daughter started taking horseback riding lessons, I began photographing domestic horses, exploring their grace and spirit. Little did I know that this would be the catalyst for a return to two of my passions.
On a memorable Mother's Day, my husband took me on a weekend trip to the Pine Nut Mountains of Nevada to witness wild horses in their natural habitat.
From the moment I laid eyes on the wild mustangs, I felt an inexplicable connection. The raw beauty, the freedom they exuded, and their untamed spirit spoke to my soul. It was a turning point in my career, and I realized that my art had found its true calling amidst the wild horses of America.
The Bond of Freedom: Inspiring Change through Art
As I dove deeper into the world of wild horse photography, I became acutely aware of the challenges these iconic creatures face in maintaining their freedom.
Issues such as habitat loss, roundups, and preservation became a core part of my artistic mission.
With each image captured, I discovered that I could raise awareness about the plight of American Wild Mustangs through art - through making the American public aware of the beauty of the wild horses and what they mean to the American identity. My lens and my artwork could become a powerful tool to shed light on their struggles and to advocate for their protection and preservation.
I’d like to believe that my art has become a voice for those who can’t speak, and, through telling their stories, a means to amplify the cries of the wild.
The Artistic Vision: Minimalism and Intimacy
My approach to wild horse fine art photography is deeply rooted in my artistic vision. My work has come to embody a minimalist style that strips away distractions, allowing the true essence of the subject to shine through.
Through the use of light, movement and composition, my goal is to create memorable images infused with emotion, evoking a sense of wonder and awe in viewers.
Harnessing the Power of Black and White
One of the distinguishing aspects of my portfolio, and one that has contributed to winning many awards, is my black-and-white wild horse photography. Stripping away color from the images allows for a focus on shapes and textures which, in turn, allows the viewer more latitude for imagination.
Supporting the Cause: Where Art and Activism Converge
My collection of wild horse fine art is more than just the convergence of my passions for photography and horses; it is also a means to support the causes close to my heart.
From the sale of every piece of wild horse artwork, I contribute a portion to non-profit organizations dedicated to the preservation and welfare of wild mustangs and equine therapy. It is my way of giving back and creating a positive impact through my art.
Explore The Collection Of Wild Horse Fine Art
In the heart of the American wilderness, I found my inspiration among the wild horses, capturing their essence in striking wild horse fine art photography.
Join me on this artistic journey celebrating the untamed beauty of the American wild horses through my lens.
Explore my extensive collection of wild horse fine art and commissioned equine portraits that capture the beauty and strength of these majestic beings.
Connect with me online, and together, let's support the cause of wild mustangs and preserve their freedom for generations to come.