Udadisi
The little one examines something on the ground that stirs his curiosity as the herd looks on patiently.
"Udadisi" means curiosity in Swahili.
The herd had emerged from a dry, muddy bed and were heading in our direction slowly. One or two of the adolescent elephants had charged ahead in a gait and tossed some chalky brown soil up in the air playfully. Trumpeting here and there, they made their way ahead of the matriarchs, who had dropped back, gently guiding the youngest ahead towards the tracks close to where we were positioned. Suddenly, the calf paused, shuffling aside and pawing inquisitively at something on the ground nearby. Whatever was there piqued his interest. He became so engrossed in it that he started sniffing and scrubbing away at that tiny piece of earth beneath for several minutes. All the while, the matriarchs formed a quiet half-circle around him, protectively assuring him of his space and giving him time to examine his subject of interest.
For a few minutes, the adults stood motionless, giving him time to enjoy his scrub in peace, with only an occasional rumble to be heard. After a while, the little one seemed satisfied and turned back in the direction they were going with the help of one of the elders. Gently, they guided him onward in their journey into the bush.
A lasting impression I had as I lifted my camera away from these shots was the silent, if not selfless, love and patience on display by this family. They were all aware of and gently intent on allowing their youngest family member to experience his moment of excited exploration. They had all come to a halt and watched over the child as he immersed himself in the mystery of what was beneath him at the time. It made me think about how little time we truly give of ourselves to our children and how often our patience is tested in this hurried and driven world. Perhaps the mystery of life lies not in our great achievements but in these timeless, momentary, and often unnoticed moments of tenderness.
RAW AFRICA COLLECTION
Welcome to Africa - the wise, the restless, the life giving.
This soulful land of dreamers gives rise to the underbelly of a beautiful gentle beat that is only heard by those who listen for it. This photographic journey explores, profiles and captures what I hope is the heart and soul of Africa's true wilderness kingdom. From its deep bush to its dry savannah and desert, Africa remains a place where life is represented by timeless vistas that are distilled into moments to treasure.
