Check out the photograph.  No explanation required, except it isn't often that bears go chasing after bulls, and win.  The harried bison, its pantaloons fraying, and hungry pursuer reads like a modern predicament scene, similar to those dramatic narratives created by artists during the Golden Age of Illustration.

More than a few of us can relate to the bison, what with the depression that still grips many corners of the art market and, by extension,  fear permeates galleries, collectors and artists themselves.  Hang in there. Never has there been a better time to reflect on what art—and the artistic process—brings into our lives.

The latest lineup of stories here is certain to send readers probing for answers on the role of this genre.  Obviously, Wildlife Art Journal delves into wildlife art, but in a way the title of this online magazine is a double entendre.  It is intended actually to elicit thoughts of everything that wildlife art can be without its label. Several stories here ask that question in a variety of ways.

Is graffiti art, or is it a crime?  Is the camera a useful tool for the painter, or a curse and crutch?  Can miniature paintings pack the power of a mural 100 times larger?  Can artists make a difference in saving the places they love? How can we restitch connections to the physical world we need?

How can artists be bold in expressions that have nothing to do with color?

From the perspective of professional artists, devoted collectors and galleries attempting to stay open, this is a challenging time but there are indications of recovery in the air. We keep moving forward, together.  Enjoy our roll-out of stories that will continue for the next couple of weeks.  Look ahead, not backward.  The bruin might be gaining.

  —Todd Wilkinson for Jared Swanson and Anna Dingman.


PS:  Remember that a subscription gives you complete access to all of the stories and images in this new edition as well as our archives.  And don't forget to sign up for our free newsletter.  It'll be coming to you once a month as a reminder of what's new not only in the magazine but other things you'll want to know.