The deserts of Namibia offer so much potential for artists. The challenges of getting to the chosen location are more than compensated by the sensory overload on arrival. As a stark, elemental amphitheatre on which to ply one’s craft, it is perhaps without equal. I have been going back for about 20 years now and will never tire of the red earth. I won’t make it to Mars, but this will do just fine.
I know this tree in the Kanaan Desert intimately - which is a rather unusual admission. It may be dead, but I fancy it will be around long after all of us; this is not a place where ill-intentioned people come. There is a deafening silence to the desert which amplifies the sense of wilderness.
The tree is enormous and its scale offers the chance to use space to the advantage of the frame. When I was composing the scene, I recognised that the tail of the cheetah and the structure of the tree could align a little and lend some compositional balance.
This male cheetah is the biggest under the acclaimed care of conservationist Rudi and Marlice Van Vuuren. They now employ 500 people in Namibia and their Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary has earned deserved acclaim. This tableau could not have been taken without their partnership.
I want also to thank Shanina Shaik. She is very much at the top of her game and I can see why she is in such demand. She was a delight to work with.
Shanina and the cheetah look like they own the place. This is their special sanctuary and intruders are not hugely welcome as they are here to Enjoy the Silence.
Thank you to Depeche Mode for the title of this picture.
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