UNDER THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

Monumental Bronze, 8.75′ H x 7.75′ L x 4.75′ D, Limited Ed. of 12 – Created 2018

‘Under the Northern Lights’ – A Tribute to the Bull Moose

“In the untamed expanse of North America’s wilderness, where boreal forests stretch endlessly, the Bull Moose reigns supreme. These majestic and noble creatures, indigenous to Alaska, the Northwest Territories of Canada, and the United States, hold an undeniable power. Their imposing antlers and dignified demeanor evoke a sense of wonder and raw power. While they also roam in Europe and Russia, my heart as a sculptor is drawn to the Bull Moose found in North America. It is in the heart of the Yukon Territory that their grandeur truly unfolds.

As I began sculpting this 1 1/4 life-size moose, I aimed to capture the unique beauty and peculiar grace that these forest giants possess. For me, the Bull Moose is at its most striking during the autumn.  It’s a season when the male Bull Moose engages in behaviors unseen at any other time of the year.  In September and October, the otherwise solitary bull transforms. His bellowing calls echo through the forest, resonating with both challenge and desire. It is a dance of dominance and courtship – an age-old ritual that plays under the celestial canvas of the Northern lights.  The moose engage in fierce battles with other bulls, as they vie for dominance and mating supremacy. It is a spectacle that defies time, a primal drama etched into the landscape of the Yukon.

‘Under the Northern Lights’ seeks to convey the commanding presence of these magnificent creatures. When encountering them in nature, one feels a mix of awe, emotion, and raw power. Through my sculpture, I hope to evoke that same feeling – a tribute to the grandeur of the Bull Moose and the wild beauty of North America both merge into an unforgettable experience.” ~ Vic Payne