Uzumati - Great Bear of Yosemite

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SKU:SL1036340

Story Behind the Art

"The name of the Yosemite Valley is probably derived from the Miwok Indian word for grizzly bear, 'uzumati.' In Yosemite and throughout all of California, species of grizzlies lived vying in size with the 1800-pound Alaskan brown bear.

The grizzly had no predators; it ranged across rock and brush, grazing, hunting, and fishing until about two centuries ago. When people began settling California, they discovered the grizzly, an animal 'useful' for its hide, meat and oil. In the main, however, grizzlies, since they presented an exciting adversary and were hunted for sport.

In this scene, I have hearkened back to a time long past when Uzumati roamed the canyons of Yosemite." - Stephen Lyman

Reproduced from the artist's original artwork of Oil on Canvas 35 x 24. Painted 1988.

About the Artist

1957 - 1996

Born in 1957 in Idaho, wildlife artist Stephen Lyman was an explorer who specialized in painting the most elusive moments in nature. His inspiring work was inspired, in turn, by the writing and teachings of famous naturalist John Muir. "Muir wrote, 'Climb the mountains, and get their good tidings,'" Lyman said. "I know exactly what he meant." Lyman's love of the great outdoors stemmed from a childhood spent in the Pacific Northwest, where hiking in Snake River country was a regular family ritual.

Lyman had a natural artistic talent and began his professional career as an illustrator in Los Angeles after attending art and design school in Pasadena California. However, a true explorer who was inspired in part naturalist and writer John Muir, the artist decided to return back to the Northwest. He began to communicate his love for nature with art and spent his time hiking, exploring and meticulously researching the subjects for each of his paintings.

He continued to discover the wonders of the natural world and of living a natural lifestyle. "All my paintings have their origins in my experience and perception of beauty in the wilderness," he said.

His work included paintings, sketches and photographs made during more than 35 trips into California's Yosemite National Park, Alaska's Denali National Park, Oregon's Willamette Valley, the Canadian Rockies and Northern Idaho. Stephen was killed climbing in Yosemite National Park in California.

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