A man smiling outdoors, wearing a baseball cap, jacket, and backpack, holding a camera with a large telephoto lens.
A smiling man with glasses standing in front of a colorful painting of a lion lying in a landscape with mountains and trees.

About the Artist

Sean Strait is a self-taught artist whose work is deeply rooted in nature, evolution, and the intricate relationship between humans and the natural world. Drawing from a blend of scientific curiosity and creative vision, Sean’s art explores striking juxtapositions - where wild animals take on playful, unexpected roles, evoking both nostalgia and a fresh perspective on their untamed essence.

Inspired by the storytelling of vintage imagery, Sean infuses a timeless quality into his work, balancing whimsy with depth. Through bold compositions and thoughtful contrasts, his art invites viewers to reconsider humanity’s place within the broader tapestry of nature, offering a glimpse into a world that is both familiar and strangely surreal.

About the Art

My art explores the fascinating interplay between the wild and the domesticated, the timeless and the contemporary. As both a nature photographer and an acrylic painter, I draw inspiration from the natural world, often transforming my photographs of landscapes and wildlife into vivid paintings. My current body of work playfully positions majestic animals in unexpected, unlikely settings—imagine gorillas navigating the Rocky Mountains or bears exploring downtown. This deliberate juxtaposition highlights a whimsical tension, prompting viewers to consider how wildness endures, or adapts, in an increasingly human-built world.

My paintings are characterized by vibrant, bold colors and a distinct vintage aesthetic, reminiscent of weathered photographs. This nostalgic quality is deeply personal, reflecting a longing for untouched wild places and a desire to create art that feels timeless. Each piece begins with a photograph, sparking questions about an animal's natural habitat and its potential existence beyond those boundaries. Through this imaginative process, I invite viewers to playfully explore the coexistence of nature and civilization, contemplating our impact on the planet while celebrating the enduring spirit of the wild.