Lions are revered worldwide as symbols of power and leadership and have been portrayed in literature, art, and ceremony as hunters, predators, and kings. Brad Oldham’s sculptures, inspired by the iconic works of photographer Beverly Joubert and filmmaker Dereck Joubert, depict a tender, less-often-seen side of the species, illustrating a proud male lion protecting and bonding with his cub. Detailed, expressive, and imaginative, Oldham’s sculptures capture the heart and soul of these mighty creatures that embody the mission of National Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative. As mighty as lions and other big cats are, they need our protection to thrive in the wild.
WHO WE ARE
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| BRAD OLDHAM Photograph by Lauren McClure/PureSculpture |
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| BEVERLY and DERECK JOUBERT Photograph by Wildlife Films |
A nationally renowned sculptor, Brad Oldham creates site-specific sculptures commissioned by public entities, cultural venues, corporations, and private collectors. In 2011, Oldham was recognized by the Texas Society of Architects with the Artisan Award, and he was heralded as Artist/Craftsman of the Year by the American Institute of Architects. The Americans for the Arts honored one of Oldham’s works in 2010 as one of the best public art installations in North America. From large-scale sculptures that enhance the communities in which they reside to series created exclusively for Pure Sculpture, Oldham’s meticulous craftsmanship, passion, and creativity are alive in every sculpture he makes.
The sculptures in this exclusive Pure Sculpture collection were inspired by iconic images of lions by Beverly and Dereck Joubert, renowned National Geographic photographers, filmmakers and conservationists. More than 30 years ago, this husband and wife team started filmmaking in Botswana and Beverly also began her career as a photographer. Through filmmaking and photography they embarked on a lifelong mission to document lions and other native inhabitants of the wild. Her work has appeared in National Geographic magazine as well as in more than 100 magazines worldwide, while their films have reached hundreds of millions of viewers across the world.
National Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative (BCI) is a long-term effort to halt the decline of big cats in the wild. BCI supports efforts to save big cats through assessment efforts, on-the-ground conservation projects, education, and a global public-awareness campaign. Lions, tigers, cheetahs, leopards, and other big cats in the wild are quickly disappearing. The loss of these predators would create a devastating impact on the ecosystem. Now is the time to "Cause an Uproar" to save big cats. More information on what can be done to help is available at causeanuproar.org.
PRESERVATION IS A BEAUTIFUL THING
Share your love of art and your support of National Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative with the world when you purchase a fine art bronze sculpture from the Big Cats Collection, created by Pure Sculpture’s Brad Oldham. Available in four sizes, ranging from desktop to life size, each bronze sculpture is signed by the artist and includes a custom hardbound book with the Certificate of Authenticity. Collectors also receive a piece of the original cast mold used to create the sculpture as a tangible symbol that no duplicates will ever be made. The proceeds from each purchase will benefit National Geographic's Big Cats Initiative. Learn more about our mission and help save big cats with a sculpture purchase today. Visit ngs.puresculpture.com.
