SHIPS OF THE DESERT, BY NAME

After traveling in Australia, where the world’s largest population of feral camels can be found, I was inspired to learn about camels’ role in the history of my own continent. I find myself fascinated, sometimes disturbed, by the attitudes, biases, and preconceptions that people have toward them. With this series of life-sized portraits, I hoped to show the individuality of several camels I worked with on a ranch in Texas—presenting the animals’ disparate personalities and features, and giving the viewer insight beyond the generic motifs and stereotypes that so often represent the species in the American mind.

Kabir. 23”x30”, graphite on paper. Private collection
Xi’an, 22”x32”, graphite on paper. (Available)
Bunni. 19”x25”, graphite on paper. Private collection
Richard. 20”x29”, graphite on paper. (Available)
Cinco. 17”x24”, graphite on paper. Private collection
Mu. 24”x35”, graphite on paper. (Available)
Daleel, 15”x23”, graphite on paper. (Available)
Gobi, 24”x35”, graphite on paper. Private collection
Jadid. 16”x23”, graphite on paper. Private collection