Photo Credit: Maria Marriott Photography
"The essential joy of being with horses is that it brings us in contact with the rare elements of grace, beauty, spirit, and freedom.”
-Sharon Ralls Lemon
In the vast expanse of untouched wilderness, where the harsh landscapes hint at the stories of ages gone by, lives a symbol of untamed beauty and enduring freedom: the wild horse. These majestic creatures, known for their beauty, strength and incredible ability to survive in the desert plains, have become an almost mystical presence in our country, surrounded by a mythical aura, in our collective hearts and minds.
As I think about the controversy over how to preserve the legacy of America’s wild horses, I’m convinced that the part I can play involves using my lens to tell emotional stories of a world we long to understand and to bring awareness.
There has to be a balance in any solution, a balance of both logic and emotion. We must recognize both the practical realities of ensuring a manageable wildlife population while also recognizing the association that has arisen over the years between the traits that define the best of our national identity and the wild horses that roam our Western lands.
In this blog I want to explore the emotional impact of wild horse art, which portrays the essence of freedom, beauty, and the wild spirit that has come to be associated with the American identity and how it can bring attention to the controversy surrounding the American wild horses.
Freedom In Wild Horse Art
Imagine standing on the edge of a sheer cliff in a vast desert, the sun just peeking above the horizon, casting a golden hue over the landscape. Amidst this cinematic backdrop, a herd of wild horses gallops with unbridled freedom. In a swirl of dust, two stallions split off from the herd and begin a primal battle - first a series of skirmishes, then a breakneck chase over the hills towards the horizon.
The sheer power and unyielding spirit of these creatures evoke a sense of awe that transcends words. It's as if they carry within them the essence of the wild, reminding us of the untamed nature that once defined our nation's landscapes.
Photo Credit: Maria Marriott Photography
There are several things in this scene that resonate deeply - at least with me… the mystery of the unexplored wilderness, the beauty of untouched nature, the wonder evoked by wide open plains and vast skies. I think it can best be described as a longing; a desire for a simpler time, a thirst for discovery of new things, a craving to connect with the beauty of creation all around us, a passion to live simply and joyfully.
I also experience, during these times of reflection, a renewal of sorts. As explained in another blog, these times of awe, wonder, and deep reflection help me reconnect with what is really important - what we value in ourselves and others.
My belief is that wild horse photos capture these moments of freedom and translate them into visual poetry for others to experience
Beauty Without Boundaries
In my wild horse photography, every image serves two purposes: first, a celebration of the raw and unfiltered beauty of these creatures; second, a reminder of the need to preserve their freedom and safety on our Western lands. Both of these endeavors require an emotional connection in order to be successful.
"The deepest beauty is often found in the harsh, untamed,
and rough corners of nature… the wild."
- Maria Marriott
My collections of wild horse fine art are meant to invite both wonder and reflection, with the goal of stimulating conversation and, ultimately, actions.
Photo Credit: Maria Marriott Photography
Without a greater public awareness of the situation the American wild horses face, practical solutions will not be developed. And this public awareness will not be established without first creating an emotional connection. It is here that I see the power of photography, art, and literature to make a difference.
Photographs, especially when transformed into art, can be a reminder that the deepest beauty is often found in the harsh, untamed, and rough corners of nature… the wild.
A Narrative in Wild Horse Fine Art
The wild horse has become, in our collective imagination, more than just a stunning creature; they have also become a symbol deeply intertwined with the American identity. As a nation that prides itself on freedom and the pioneering spirit, the image of a wild horse roaming free evokes a sense of nostalgia for a time when the land was uncharted, and possibilities were limitless.
They are a reminder of our history and heritage, from the early explorers, to the Native American horse nations, to the westward migration and building of a nation.
Practical solutions are necessary to ensure that wild horse populations don’t grow into the millions that once roamed the West, but also that mustangs continue to roam freely, safe from the encroachment of civilization. Through my lens, I work hard to tell the story of the wild horses through a visual narrative that speaks to our collective consciousness. It is the emotional connection that is created through art - through images and stories - that will best bring pubic awareness to the need for solutions.
Closing Thoughts
My website offers an insight on the journey I’ve been on and the art that has come out of it, with the intent to give you a glimpse to the “why” behind doing what I do.
My collections of wild horse fine art is meant to serve as a portal into the heart of the untamed for those that wish to more deeply experience the whispers of the wild, the stories of freedom, and the beauty of wild horse in their natural habitat.
I invite you to immerse yourself in these images and become part of a larger narrative – one that celebrates the wild spirit within us and the enduring legacy of the American wild horses.