Wild Desert Majesty

Quail Park of Oro Valley, Az.
55 x 288 x 12 inches, stainless steel, local rock
Commissioned by the City of Oro Valley, Az.

Wild Desert Majesty is a sculptural panorama honoring the ecological richness of the Sonoran region through three distinct desert elevations. The curved stainless steel panels, set along the entry drive, guide viewers through a visual ascent from the arid floor to alpine heights—each segment a portrait of native flora and fauna in their natural habitats.

• Summit
  At the highest elevation, a bighorn sheep stands poised among pines and aspen, while a red-tailed hawk soars above. Incised tree rings record the passing of seasons, grounding the scene in deep geological and ecological time.

• Ascent
  As the landscape transitions upward, mule deer move quietly through clusters of mountain mahogany and piñon. Rock outcroppings and wind-shaped junipers provide texture and structure, while vibrant Steller’s jays animate the terrain.

• Desert Home
  The desert floor hosts an exuberant array of life—saguaro and prickly pear cacti anchor the scene as a coatimundi, jackrabbit, and desert hare emerge from the underbrush, embodying the adaptive vitality of the lowland environment.

Brushed steel surfaces reflect the desert light, while sculptural forms drawn from local stone and contour create a tactile invitation to observe and connect. The work offers a sense of place—majestic, wild, and enduring.