“The Thief” recaptures the magic of a remarkable wildlife encounter and the sense of wonder felt on an unforgettable evening in Botswana.
 
We were on safari, surrounded by the untamed beauty of Botswana. As the sun dipped low on the horizon, our guide whispered of wild dogs on the prowl. Cameras stowed, we fastened our (imaginary) seatbelts and braced ourselves for the adventure ahead. 
 
The air crackled with anticipation as we followed the trail of the pack. Wind whipped through our hair, tall grasses brushing against us as we navigated the rugged terrain. The dogs were relentless in their pursuit of an impala, disappearing into the golden haze. But then unexpectedly, the wild dogs reappeared, bearing down on us in a flurry of motion.
 
Amidst the chaos, we paused to listen, the calls of the wild echoing through the twilight. Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted. Hearts pounding, we held our breath until our spotter's cry pierced the tension: "Lions!" 
 
We moved forward, adrenaline coursing through our veins, to witness three lionesses feasting on the spoils of the wild dogs' hunt, their powerful forms silhouetted against the fading light. 
 
We barely had chance to reach for our cameras when there was the most enormous, spine-tingling roar. A massive male lion emerged from the shadows, his mane a golden crown in the dying light. He seized the kill and, with an entitled air, settled down to eat his dinner as the final light of day disappeared.
 
It was riveting; it was electrifying; it was nature at its most captivating.
 
This multi-award winning piece holds a special place in my artistic journey. It was the first big cat I ever created and it has paved the way for many more. It was also the first piece I created that recaptured the magic of a remarkable wildlife encounter, infusing my work with the same sense of wonder and reverence that I felt on that unforgettable evening in Botswana.
 
Every time you look at this artwork, be reminded of the beauty and complexity of the animal world and the untamed spirit that resides within us all.