Repose, Column, Tiger, Las Vegas
DAVID 265
This image was inspired by a visit to Las Vegas and the Mirage, home of Siegfried and Roy's white tigers. Their enclosure is behind a glass wall, and as usual, there were dozens of camera-toting people waiting for one to appear. Suddenly, the crowd gasped as a massive, beautiful, white, blue-eyed beast emerged from a small cave. He padded ever so slowly around the pool in the middle of the enclosure looking as bored as any animal can look, as though another tiger had told him, "I went this morning. It's your turn."
He seemed to have a destination in mind, and I think everybody hoped that he would come to rest in plain view, where they might get a chance at a good photo. I don't think anybody dared hope that he'd do what he did next, which made the crowd's reaction that much more comical.
He slowly sauntered up some steps to the top of a pedestal-like cliff, aligned himself to present a perfect profile, sat down, puffed out his chest, and lifted his chin.
(Sigh. Go ahead. Take your pictures.)
Cameras being whipped out of fanny packs...people moving like a wave against the window...strollers colliding...flashes from cameras...frantic fingers squeezing buttons..."Oh my god"..."Hurry!"..."Take the lens cap off, dammit!"
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And in case you haven't noticed, our magnificent blue-eyed beast is on the cover of the most current issue of Renderotica Magazine! As the featured artist, I had the pleasure of providing the editors with an interview, and besides the cover, featuring David in chains, there are three more exclusive images inside, including another image where David is restrained and in studly peril. Do check it out.
2006