"The name of the Yosemite Valley is probably derived from the Miwok Indian word for grizzly bear, 'uzumati.' In Yosemite and throughout all of California, species of grizzlies lived vying in size with the 1800-pound Alaskan brown bear.
The grizzly had no predators; it ranged across rock and brush, grazing, hunting, and fishing until about two centuries ago. When people began settling California, they discovered the grizzly, an animal 'useful' for its hide, meat and oil. In the main, however, grizzlies, since they presented an exciting adversary and were hunted for sport.
In this scene, I have hearkened back to a time long past when Uzumati roamed the canyons of Yosemite." - Stephen Lyman
Reproduced from the artist's original artwork of Oil on Canvas 35 x 24. Painted 1988.