Wolfdogs are strange creatures, indeed: belonging to both the wild and the human world, but not quite fitting into either. On one hand, wolfdogs have their wild side: instinctual, primal, solitary. On the other, they can navigate through the world of humans, feeling a strong impulse to bond with them. They are feral, but friendly.
Wolfdogs notoriously struggle in life, as integration into polite society often requires suppression of their instinctual selves. They are strong-willed, they don't like to be told what to do, and they can jump an 8' fence if they don't like your vibe.
Make no bones about it: I am, at heart, a wolfdog.
And, maybe so are you.
I suspect this duality exists in all of us, something we humans have grappled with since we collectively decided it was a good idea to put down roots and live in boxes.
I grew up in a beige suburb of Southern California, and spent the first half of my life trying to iron myself flat. But since moving out to the deep woods four years ago, the manicured world of my youth no longer makes sense.
What makes sense now: the smell of rain, the sink of fog, dark rich soil, rocks tumbled by rivers.
Shoveling horse manure.
Chopping wood for the winter.
The drench of sweat, the ache of exhausted muscles after a day of exertion.
This ache makes sense.
And yet, facts are facts. I am not a wolf.
There is still a lot of dog in me.
I long for connection. For deep, complicated conversations. For philosophy and literature and music and the smell of baking bread. Part of me craves the nuances of society – its art, its culture, its sprawling narrative.
And, human beings are miraculous to me.
I love them like a dog loves them: unconditionally, and with stupefied, guileless admiration.
And yet, again... there is solitude. Beloved solitude.
I instinctively choose it, again and again.
This tug of war between wild abandon and longing for connection is the driving force behind my urge to create. Where words fail me and distance makes my passion seem insincere, my art becomes proof of my devotion. Every painting is a love letter: to a specific person, to the whole of humanity, to existence itself. My art is a bridge that extends to humanity, where people can cross if they choose
Wolfdog Moonshot is also a love letter.
The creamy surface contrasted by those deep craters of color reminds me of the moon. The bright smooth gradients of the surface seem to act like a tattered veil over the wild tumult below. Above, there is light. Beneath, there is the Mystery. Some parts of the painting even look as though that veil has been scratched deeply with claw marks.
The moon that sings over the Serengeti is the same moon that throws silver over Silicon Valley. And likewise, maybe the wild mystery that lives in you is the same that lives in me.
Thus, this Talisman is for anyone who has ever felt caught between contrasting worlds – between the primal and the modern, the solitary and the communal, the passionate and the rational.
Our Moonshot, fellow wolfdogs, is knowing that both parts of us can exist in harmony. It is possible to strike a balance. We can live in the civilized world and be a part of that pulsing throng without allowing ourselves to be fully domesticated. And one doesn’t need to become completely feral, either.
We are a part of nature wherever we are.
Our Moonshot is the intention to keep the most instinctual parts of us intact, regardless of how the world may try to soften our edges, buff out our flaws, and keep us contained. We can cultivate and foster the rich, wild colors beneath the surface of "acceptable" appearances.
Wolfdog Moonshot is a call across the divide, a solitary howl beneath the full moon to all those who feel both the pull of the wild and the call to commune.
This painting is permission to be wild and a call to freedom.
We will be releasing editions of this painting Saturday at 10:30am PST via Manifold
https://app.manifold.xyz/c/wolfdog-moonshot
After all editions are sold, the physical oil painting will be raffled to one collector.
All collectors will be admitted to the Allow List for our Tenth Drop on 10-23
ALSO, Matt has been working like a dog (har, har) creating something truly incredible that will be unveiled on the day of our drop: the dopest print shop y’all have ever seen. I am absolutely blown away by it, and we can’t wait to unveil it.
much love & gratitude to all of you.
over & out
Great article and beautiful painting! Can't wait for the big surprise⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Grateful to have kept up with you after your marathons for veterans adventures. You are a strong and very talented person. I'm blessed to witness your journey from afar. Keep on, keeping on. It's not always easy to put ourselves out there, but you have courageously offered insights and glimpses into your soul and that helps others find the courage to be their true selves.