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NylakSelf Sacrifice

Published: 2007-04-19 05:04:07 +0000 UTC; Views: 33326; Favourites: 1266; Downloads: 490
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Description I’m attending one of my best friend’s baby shower this week—she’s barely 19, and due in July. She’s intelligent, gorgeous, and a real people-person. She has the potential to make something of herself, more than just a wife and mother. But she dropped out of school last semester, and I doubt she’ll be returning. I’ll never approve of her choices, but I hope I’ll always be able to support her, whatever comes of them. She’s sacrificing her entire future for the sake of this child.

When asked to portray my idea of the true meaning of love, I think of the unconditional devotion of a mother to its child. I think mothers are the most loving figures in human society. They give up everything for their children. When my sister was young, my mother lived in a trailer and worked two jobs to support her, when she would have been just fine on her own if she’d given up her daughter. I know she’ll always be there for us. Financially and emotionally, mothers are the most self-sacrificing individuals I can think of.

In the case of the American bison, mothers are known to form rings around their offspring when threatened by predators, risking their own injury to protect the calves. When separated from the herd, a mother will go out of its way to defend its calf, even detaching itself from the safety of numbers. What other prey animal consistently does this? Deer or horses certainly wouldn’t face off an entire pack of dangerous carnivores to save their offspring, especially when they’re alone and outnumbered.

I love wolves as much as the next person, but when I see a pack of wolves hunting bison, I’ll always root for the bison. XD I just think they’re awesome animals. You don’t tug on superman’s cape, you don’t spit in the wind, you don’t pull the mask off the ol’ lone ranger, and you don’t mess around with Big Momma Bison. >.> *cough*



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WOW. Long description. Sorry about that dudelets. I just really enjoyed this. e.e EXCEPT FOR THE FREEZING PART. It kept freezing up my program, making me lose hours of work. It sucked.

Adobe Photoshop CS. Lost count of actual hours put into it DUE TO FREEZING. WTF$&&7@#$%^&*(DINOSAUR$%^&@#$.

Photographs by myself, Monty Sloan, Kipp Schoen, and Grant Faint used as references. I’m loving Lone Elk State Park for the great bison photography opportunities, and helping to increase my appreciation for the bigass critters (and their fierce protectiveness of their offspring—I got chased off by more than one mom while trying to take baby pictures!).


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This is an entry for 's contest. If you love me, you'll go vote for it, or something. ^__- Though I'm not quite sure how her voting system works... >_>;



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EDIT

Well, I won the contest. Thanks so much to those of you who voted for me! I really do appreciate it. I'm not sure if I'm worthy of the substantial prize that goes along with it, but I really am grateful. Thanks again, guys!
Related content
Comments: 162

johnnatandc [2020-09-12 15:15:50 +0000 UTC]

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StreetArt123 [2014-10-17 02:19:16 +0000 UTC]

Very nice. I love wolves and bison.

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AuroraDragon2272 [2013-07-15 01:57:40 +0000 UTC]

I Love this picture! It's very beautiful.

Ps: in humor though, i don't think it is a very good example of self-sacrifice, that mother looks like it can kick that skinny pup's butt!

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Istasta [2011-12-22 22:09:08 +0000 UTC]

This is beautiful in every way idk how to describe it.

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mordrelupis [2011-07-14 17:44:46 +0000 UTC]

It makes perfect sense for a mother to defend her young, its simply a subconscious desire to pass on your genes and protect one's lineage. It's like a savings account, you invest into it and you don't want all of that money to just disappear.

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underxworld666 [2011-05-24 05:38:15 +0000 UTC]

Mothers are the best people that sons depend on.

I was an asshole to my mother and I didn't give a dime about her. But when I've spotted this artwork plus read the description of the art's inspiration; I was I did not know that mothers would go that far to sacrifice themselves for the sake of their children: A mother's love to her child is strong and unwavering.

And I have decided, I want to change for the better. Say apologies to my mom for being an ass to her for the past 9 years and thank her for being a good mother.

Thank you and many kudos to you!

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ObsadienSoul [2011-04-16 23:35:21 +0000 UTC]

lol wish my mother was like that, what ever it is that makes mothers act that way...was kinda un hitched in her lol, but what can ya do.

like this piece, it is pretty
good job.

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MoArtProductions [2011-03-29 02:51:26 +0000 UTC]

Troy: Hopefully this pic will get those naggy wolfaboos to get a grip and think of other animals more endangered for a change.

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f14ace [2010-11-16 23:53:29 +0000 UTC]

Actually, I see a wolf that's about two seconds away from getting a royal beatdown.

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Cheekydesignz [2010-11-15 06:58:59 +0000 UTC]

[link] just wanted you to know that your art is being stolen.... sorry

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AbbieKruger91 [2010-11-15 01:35:41 +0000 UTC]

this is amazing. I love it

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SuicidalMarshmallow [2010-09-12 02:13:57 +0000 UTC]

Trullly impressive! And after reading your won comments on it, even more impressive! Gave me goose-bumps >.< Definite

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rabid-riolu [2010-02-23 15:21:51 +0000 UTC]

This is my favorite of your artwork. The coloring, details, etc. are amazing and clearly show your talent. However, I'm even more fond of the theme. You've chosen to focus on bison rather than wolves, which is a rarity in art. I love wolves with all of my heart, but you're right -- there is something noble about a bison cow protecting her calf even to the point of self-sacrifice. There are other animals that do this too, of course, but I think that's more so among carnivores than herbivores. So yeah, nice theme here

I also like the association of motherhood in this piece. My mother passed away a little over a month ago, and I will always admire her for all she did for my brother and I. She was the breadwinner in our family, working long, exhausting hours for us so we could have decent childhoods. (I could tell she grieved. She missed out on vital moments in our lives, like our first steps.)

This is a beautiful piece. Great job

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vallug11011 [2010-01-03 03:23:48 +0000 UTC]

Gorgeous! And with a beautiful meaning behind it too [= Haha Big Momma Bison. Good one

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Azurett [2009-12-22 07:55:39 +0000 UTC]

Aww, you can see the sadness/stress in the calf's face.

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wolfgaze001 [2009-12-08 02:09:08 +0000 UTC]

Wow- I love this picture. Very touching view on love. I have to say... I don't agree that mother-child love is the absolute strongest (Though I don't know, I've never been a mother). Perhaps it's different depending on the person. Great pic!

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f14ace [2009-11-25 04:32:05 +0000 UTC]

A buffalo can kick a wolf's butt! Nice pic.

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nds-stock [2009-11-12 23:57:45 +0000 UTC]

I love the expression of the calf, and its ears, it is just so incredibly cute and the concept of the rendering of what love is, i have to applaud your choice.

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blackinky [2009-10-19 17:18:22 +0000 UTC]

You are soo good !!Amazing *o*!

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FinalFantasyIVV [2009-10-14 20:44:58 +0000 UTC]

Beautiful, I love that "I'ma send you to hell" look in momma's eyes xD

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Bithiah [2009-07-17 02:59:55 +0000 UTC]

This is really nice, even better with the theme that goes with it. If only we had more Bison's in the world. I've ran into some, but I've also ran into some of the others as well.

Although if I saw a pack of wolves chasing anything I'd probably root for the other regardless, I do love wolves, but I wouldn't want to see them get there food. Of course being carnivores they wouldn't survive otherwise.

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EmeraldTheWolf [2009-04-06 17:16:17 +0000 UTC]

incredible description - great meaning behind this

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Lilium-Nightshade [2009-02-22 21:59:42 +0000 UTC]

Quite a story. Beautiful recreation here.

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StormWarning06 [2009-02-13 19:20:30 +0000 UTC]

Very talented!

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Singarl [2009-01-30 10:58:06 +0000 UTC]

It looks so great! Unbelievable! *-*

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Jenna1xD [2009-01-23 16:37:44 +0000 UTC]

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tomoe2005 [2008-12-15 06:50:18 +0000 UTC]

Nice painting.

Although way to insult mothers while praising them at the same time. That's more impressive than the painting.

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Nylak In reply to tomoe2005 [2008-12-15 14:23:09 +0000 UTC]

I do what I can.

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Kajua [2008-12-07 04:36:54 +0000 UTC]

I'm more afraid of a bison heard than I am a wolf pack, or a bear and cubs.

I've seen a bison destroy, crush and totally rip apart a ford supercab with their horns alone. A couple killed a guy who was in front of me on the road. Most disturbing sight ever. He kept honking and honking at the pack trying to get it to move. Now if i see a herd or a pack of bison I keep a good kilometer down the road if I can.

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manichedgehog [2008-09-11 21:56:40 +0000 UTC]

I love this piccy...especially after reading the description which I have to say is very touching.

Horses and deer aint as f***in scary as bison tho so thats why they arent as brave

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Angelheart3 [2008-07-30 07:17:41 +0000 UTC]

Great job!!!!!!!

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shyan19 [2008-04-29 08:29:36 +0000 UTC]

So YOUR the amazing artist who painted this! I saw this on a forum like 6 months ago and thought it was amazing then. You know I've been watching your stock account for months and had no idea you have this one too, lol.

Anyway, I love the details in this piece, and I can really see the effort you put into it. Honestly, if PS keept freezing up on me, I probably would have given up, if only temporarily.

My favorite parts are the mom bison's horns, and the neck fur on the calf. Not sure why, but those two bits caught my eye.

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PhyreDancer [2008-03-20 13:16:23 +0000 UTC]

on another note, i didnt mean to sound know-it-all like, your art work is truly beautiful my dad was driving through yellow stone national park adn got the back end of his truck head butted because he drove to close to a mother and calf... shows a mothers true devotion, i personally have 2 girls of my own i would do anything for.
course im 25 and had graduated high school, and gotten married first... i had a friend who is now 21 and she's working on her 3rd child..3 different fathers...she was just out for a good time and didnt use her brains... but she's my frind... what do you do?

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PhyreDancer [2008-03-20 13:10:56 +0000 UTC]

actually a horse will fight tooth and hoof with a cougar if her foal is in danger, and elephants also form a ring around thier young to protect them from say a pride of lions or a pack of hienna's... theres quite a few animals that are willing to put themselves in harms way for thier offspring. but the picture is amazing none-the less, i love bison! i miss seeing them. a friends raised bison on a farm back home... amazing creatures...

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AllisonWalker2 In reply to PhyreDancer [2009-01-04 01:57:19 +0000 UTC]

Yes, a horse will. But running will always be their first instinct and baby better knwow how to keep up. Stallions are known to fight predators alone when their band is threatened, so horse 'moms' don't have to operate the same as most other herd animals.

Still awesome picture.

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PhyreDancer In reply to AllisonWalker2 [2009-01-07 13:35:05 +0000 UTC]

my sister and her friend breed apaloosa's in utah, her prize mare has quite the scar on her rump from kicking off a cougar who was trying to get her foal.. if theres no stallion around to protect them then yes mommy will fight for whats hers...by the way the cougar hide is now hanging in thier office as a reminder that they need better fencing..

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AllisonWalker2 In reply to PhyreDancer [2009-01-08 21:12:03 +0000 UTC]

Mares can kick some major ass when they have to!

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PhyreDancer In reply to AllisonWalker2 [2009-01-09 17:45:54 +0000 UTC]

yeah they can..... its a mommy thing..

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SnowPhotography [2008-02-03 04:37:39 +0000 UTC]

Lovely picture! Amazing detail, and an outstanding message

I just wish I saw my mother like that more often. Way back when, I could see it--her devotion.
But within the past six years, it's been nothing but down hill and she's even confessed to my face that she preferrs being at work than being at home.

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SyrenCosplay [2008-01-13 05:49:30 +0000 UTC]

i totally know how you feel.. my friend lost her virginity recently, and she's barely 15.
and she doesnt know if shes pregnant cuz the guy used no glove (and i still have to kick him in the gay place for that later..)..
and although i am utterly disappointed in her beyond words, i'm sticking with her through it all - and i told her that - and when people start talking crap about her, i told her i'd be there with her as her best friend, even if that meant people would label me as a whore as well. (:

i can really relate to this piece, because i'd sacrifice my clean reputation and everything else for my best friend, like a mother bison would sacrifice her life for her calf.
thank you for reading this insanely long review, and thank you for creating this art.

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latuecantante10 [2008-01-05 22:24:42 +0000 UTC]

Wow! Gorgeous. You are truly talented, I wish I could do what you do!

Megan

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Nikathewolf [2007-11-22 17:23:09 +0000 UTC]

OMG 8O.... XD awesome <3<3

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AoiKita [2007-10-31 07:03:38 +0000 UTC]

nice wolfy

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Immortal-6 [2007-10-31 04:11:47 +0000 UTC]

Wow, very nice! Detailed and neat, it definatley deserves the DD! ^^

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Darkagumon2000 [2007-10-31 04:05:19 +0000 UTC]

WOW!!!!!!!

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lightstep [2007-10-31 04:00:29 +0000 UTC]

Just wanted to throw out that horses actually do do the same thing I was able to witness it more than a few times, since I was charged with taking care of a wild herd that had been transported to a portion of my friend's ranch. We have wolves and cougars in the area, and the herd was mainly mares with foals (some still pregnant). Two wolves ran out of the bushes one day and the lead mare tossed up the alarm. Soon, all the mares had chased their foals to the center of the band and began to hurry them away. Then, the most amazing thing. Three of the 'top' mares suddenly bolted away from the group, chased down one of the wolves and trampled it to death. They even picked it up with their teeth and threw it a couple of times for good measure..... o.o;.... It was really quite amazing.

Not to try and correct you or anything; Not many people get to experience scenes like that often

Really love this picture. I live near a wildlife preserve and see these marvelous creatures quite often with their young calves. Very protective mothers. You do not want to piss one off, haha.

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DekeNicki [2007-10-31 03:16:06 +0000 UTC]

I doubt you'll get around to reading/commenting on all these comments, but real quick - your description made me cry and WOOT FOR THE BISON!!

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Lunaries [2007-10-31 01:19:04 +0000 UTC]

Aw, wow. Just wow. This actually makes me want to cry a little. xD It's absolutely beautiful. Wow.

Deserves DDs for every day of the week for a month. xD Wow.

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TabrisLee [2007-10-31 01:12:47 +0000 UTC]

Word. Coming from the plains myself, I agree wholeheartedly that bison are freakin' awesome. They're HUGE fuzzy creatures that taste amazingly well as a burger, as well as being somethin' special to look at.

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FeralFlames [2007-10-31 00:56:20 +0000 UTC]

This piece is incredibly powerful. The picture with your words is just amazing. Well done and congratulations on winning the contest

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