“Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning a lion wakes up. It knows it must outrun the slowest gazelle or it will starve to death. It doesn’t matter whether you are a lion or a gazelle: when the sun comes up, you’d better be running.”
Dan Montano, The Economist, 1985 (earliest instance of this proverb found)
When living in a huge city like London where the average pace of life is around 189 mph, it’s no surprise that everyone is always running. Running towards the next milestone or running away from the latest hazardous situation. To become complacent and reach a standstill can mean we fall victim to the predator or we don’t catch our prey.
A4 Giclee Gazelle print
I came across the above proverb whilst researching interesting animal related sayings and stories for my work. I liked the slightly humorous and darker undertones of what the words were trying to convey. But also the realistic nature of it all.
Ultimately, if you want something, you have to go for it. You have to keep running.
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I painted the lion first. Then the gazelle which I absolutely loved. Now, the lion in comparison did not look anywhere near as strong or consistently painted. I knew I could do it better so I painted another lion which I am glad I did. I am so pleased with the final outcome.
A4 Giclee Lion print
Working with Electroset printers in London and their partner studios Dallas Prints in Liverpool, I have now created a very limited edition print run of these two original paintings. There are only five prints of each animal. They are printed on A4, natural textured, 315msg, 100% acid free paper. The paper is a natural white with a full rounded texture.
Each print will be hand signed and numbered in pencil and provided with a certificate of authenticity.
These are available to purchase now. Please get in touch for pricing and shipping information.