I took a walk around my parent’s neighborhood, past a herd of cattle. There were cows grazing with their babies next to them in a grassy field. I stopped to mediate on the view, when a brave calf came close to me. I reached out and the calf licked my hand and continued to stare at me.

I named this piece “To be Seen” because, in that moment, I was witnessing a sentient being. Livestock are often dismissed as dumb animals, but there is no questioning the strong connections held between these animals—their bonds with family and friends. I wanted to depict the calve’s eyes with reverent attention to detail. I want the viewer to see into the soul of this creature.