If you go on a Safari in Africa you will hear the game rangers talking on the radio in a mix of Shangaan and Zulu - it’s called Safari slang. Ndlovu (pronounced in-dlor-vu) is the name for the elephant - it also denotes being of royalty or chief in Zulu culture. African people regard the elephant with very deep reverence. The names for the elephant all mean 'the forceful one', 'the unstoppable one'. In Zulu, the name also means to 'crash through' or 'to pierce savagely'.
 
I saw many of these beautiful creatures while I was recently in the bush - some up close and personal.
From my mental health perspective, it was very interesting that my brain does not see Elephants as scary, but I get anxious with people, unfamiliar situations and being outside my comfort zone. A real question to ponder in therapy about real and perceived threats.
 
The original of this work was done using Acrylic, Derwent Inktense Paints and Posca Pen on (A3) 350 gsm high-quality artist paper. There are Limited Edition and Open Edition Prints of this work available on high-quality paper.