I made this piece after seeing photos of Jimmy John Liautaud, founder of Jimmy John's, killing endangered animals on safari in Africa. I was enraged and disgusted! I'm happy I've never eaten at a Jimmy Johns and after this I never will. Thanks for bringing my attention to this Lisa. The company that is responsible for these killing "adventures" is Johan Calitz Safaris. I can't stand to look at those pictures, they're just vile.
My mother's family was from a rural part of Vietnam. My grandfather was a hunter and both my mom and grandmother have done their share of slaughtering chickens, fish and I think pigs and goats. I'm an omnivore so I don't want to step on a soapbox and pass judgment on the killing of animals. But I'm 100% against animal cruelty and senseless acts like this. It's just a pure ego stroke, lacking in any compassion or consideration. You want to shoot something get a camera!
I wanted to make something beautiful and sad. I feel his loneliness.
These closeup photos aren't as crisp as I'd like. It's hard to see but all 4 legs and the trunk are separated. This is a really delicate piece, I hope it survives the trip to Milan! I had a hard time getting good photos of this piece with my 17-55mm lens. I think I need to add a 100mm Macro lens to my arsenal of gear.
The Last Elephant 2012
carved carpenter's pencil (graphite & wood)
5 1/4"h x 5/8"w x 1/4"d (13.3cm x 1.6cm x .6cm)