Beautiful Blondie
May 30th 2025
Raw, tender glimpse of wildness in black & white
Jackson Hole Grizzly 399 was given her numeric name by bear researchers and it became, for us, her permanent “identity.” Another beloved matriarch, “Blondie,” was also caught and tagged by scientists, logged into the books as Grizzly 793. But Blondie was bestowed with a more affectionate moniker by a community of grizzly advocates, and her nickname was a statement of pure adoration.
Blondie is indeed photogenic, so-called for the tawny highlights of her hair. In every way, she’s been a reflection of what an ideal Great Bear might resemble. One of my favorite earlier prints, “Eyes of the Grizzly,” features her gazing in our direction.
With this limited edition release, Beautiful Blondie, which I hand-picked to be presented in black and white, I want you to experience the feel of a classic portrait, but with the intention that each of us take a moment together to truly admire the graceful physical features of a grizzly.
Framed Print
Framed between two chairs in a serene sitting room, Beautiful Blondie becomes more than wall art—it becomes a presence. Her gaze invites quiet empathy, her story a shared reverence for the wild. This is a portrait to converse with, not just observe—a mirror of grace, resilience, and our responsibility to protect what’s left of the untamed.
Blondie’s charm does not emanate from the color of her hair, nor does her presence elicit fear. She’s been an exemplary, patient mother, intelligent in how she has navigated our world and a reminder of how lucky we are to be sharing our last remaining wild country with members of her kind.
What I hope you take away are shared feelings of awe, empathy, compassion, and respect for these amazing beings that, with our advocacy, will still roam wild and free. The future we create for them is up to us.
Metal Print
Above the hearth, Beautiful Blondie radiates presence and grace. In this black and white portrait, we meet the essence of a true matriarch—not through fear, but through quiet strength and soulful calm. This wildlife photography piece honors not just a bear, but a living symbol of balance, intelligence, and shared wildness we are lucky to still witness.
Photo by Tiffany Talbott
“What I hope you take away are shared feelings of awe, empathy, compassion, and respect for these amazing beings that, with our advocacy, will still roam wild and free. The future we create for them is up to us.”