THE HUNTER BECOMES THE HUNTED

Monumental Bronze, 12.5’H x 5’L x 4’D, Limited Ed. of 35 – Created 2001

Vic’s artistic creation, ‘The Hunter Becomes the Hunted,’ captures a tense and dramatic moment in the wilderness. The scene depicts a Native American warrior, focused on pursuing a white-tail buck, who unexpectedly finds himself in the presence of a mountain lion with the same prey in mind.

Mountain lions, also known as cougars, are masters of stealth and camouflage. They utilize the natural cover provided by trees and terrain, staying downwind while moving silently to approach their unsuspecting prey. In Vic’s artwork, the mountain lion is portrayed mid-leap, poised to make a killing strike. Vic’s mindfulness of detail is evident in the swirling Eagle headdress worn by the warrior to the drawn Sheep Eater’s bow, showcasing the brave’s heritage and skill.

The artwork intentionally leaves the outcome of this encounter between the warrior and the mountain lion open-ended, leaving it to the viewer’s imagination. Will the warrior be able to defend himself against the stealthy predator and escape unharmed? Or will the mountain lion’s superior hunting prowess overpower him?

By leaving the outcome to the viewer, Vic invites us to contemplate the unpredictable nature of the wild and the delicate balance between hunter and hunted. ‘The Hunter Becomes the Hunted’ serves as a reminder of the constant danger present in nature and underscores the need for vigilance and respect for nature’s power.