The Oxpecker and The Giraffe, No. 4
This original 18” x 24” oil on canvas is part of a series of paintings titled, “Symbiosis.” The first of this series is owned by the Maier Museum of Art in Lynchburg, Virginia. I have long been fascinated with the symbiotic relationships of the tiny oxpecker birds with all of the largest land mammals on earth. They ride around on the backs of giraffes and the other large mammals of the African Grasslands, in order to dine on the buffet of bugs that gather around these animals. In return, the giraffes get a hide free from pests and any wounds they have are kept clean and free from infection by the birds. It’s a lovely and healthy friendship these very different species have. It speaks to the heart of Animanity, exploring the understanding that we are all animals working together to survive, and we are all interconnected in a myriad of ways that are often overlooked by humans.
This original 18” x 24” oil on canvas is part of a series of paintings titled, “Symbiosis.” The first of this series is owned by the Maier Museum of Art in Lynchburg, Virginia. I have long been fascinated with the symbiotic relationships of the tiny oxpecker birds with all of the largest land mammals on earth. They ride around on the backs of giraffes and the other large mammals of the African Grasslands, in order to dine on the buffet of bugs that gather around these animals. In return, the giraffes get a hide free from pests and any wounds they have are kept clean and free from infection by the birds. It’s a lovely and healthy friendship these very different species have. It speaks to the heart of Animanity, exploring the understanding that we are all animals working together to survive, and we are all interconnected in a myriad of ways that are often overlooked by humans.
This original 18” x 24” oil on canvas is part of a series of paintings titled, “Symbiosis.” The first of this series is owned by the Maier Museum of Art in Lynchburg, Virginia. I have long been fascinated with the symbiotic relationships of the tiny oxpecker birds with all of the largest land mammals on earth. They ride around on the backs of giraffes and the other large mammals of the African Grasslands, in order to dine on the buffet of bugs that gather around these animals. In return, the giraffes get a hide free from pests and any wounds they have are kept clean and free from infection by the birds. It’s a lovely and healthy friendship these very different species have. It speaks to the heart of Animanity, exploring the understanding that we are all animals working together to survive, and we are all interconnected in a myriad of ways that are often overlooked by humans.
30% of the proceeds for this painting will go to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for their anti-poaching efforts.
FREE SHIPPING WITHIN THE CONTINENTAL USA!*
*IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE OF THE CONTINENTAL US, PLEASE CONTACT ME HERE FOR SHIPPING QUOTE