"The annual salmon run attracts a multitude of wildlife,” says Dan Smith. “Grizzly bears feast on salmon as opportunistic gulls function as the cleanup crew. The complexity and efficiency of Mother Nature continues to amaze me. Watching bears feeding alternates between intense activity and calm moments. I don’t know if they can smell the salmon when they arrive or if they sense some other change, but once they become aware of it, when one bear goes out, they all go out. I’m very fortunate and blessed to refer to these experiences as ‘part of my job."

Kodiak Collaboration presents that combination of elements for which Smith’s wildlife art is known: a majestic wild animal at home in its surroundings from a point of view few of us would ever be lucky enough to see; meticulous detail that gives lie to muscles rippling in stride beneath the animal’s fur and the tranquil, mirror-like quality of the water’s surface; all presented in a setting composed as only a master artist can.