Meinrad Craigead Studio
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The Bosque Fire

Arched Flight
Wild Dogs Burning, Bosque Fire
Burning Coyotes
Fire, Running Dog
Wild Dogs Flee the Fire
Coyotes Pass A Burning Tree
Disemboweled Coyote
Burning Crow
Artemis with Burning Coyotes Bosque Fire Shaman Coyote Tails Burning, Bosque Fire Birds Falling
  Raven Death Embrace of Artemis  

My life in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is centered on my relationship with the nearby Rio Grande and the bosque, the woods that grow along both sides of this great river. Each day over many years I have taken a succession of beloved dogs for long walks along the Rio Grande and through the bosque.

On a June day in 2004 the bosque on either side of the Rio Grande went up in flames. The fire spread terrifyingly, burning throughout the night and destroying all trees and creatures in its path.

That night I was given the choice either to evacuate my property or to remain at my own risk. I decided not to evacuate but instead to lie on my bed throughout the long night in the darkness, putting myself into the horror of the fire and burning trees and the terror of the fleeing or trapped animals.

Not long afterwards I picked up charcoal and began these drawings.

The resulting suite of Bosque Fire drawings numbered over twenty, out of which I have chosen these fourteen for display. All of the Bosque Fire drawings are currently in private collections.

© 2010 by Meinrad Craighead