Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/590511
S P O R T I N G C L A S S I C S 7 9 Acclaimed artist John Banovich will go to any length—or depth—to gain an intimate view of his wild subjects. H e's a big, strapping, pony-tailed figure, known for his fearless pursuit of his outdoor passions and revered for his success in connecting with nature's untamed beasts. And his love of all things fanged and ferocious gives him near-feral status. In other words, if there were a casting call for Tarzan, artist and when I interviewed him awhile back. "It's an intimate space, the master bedroom sitting area, so it's private not public. And the scale of the room is big-ceilinged but not big volume. So, in my mind that's the ideal space to show a piece of large, contemporary art." John quickly chose his painting, Tusk, which is a stunningly detailed close-up of an African elephant's expression-filled face. I was thrilled with the choice, not just because of its Chris Dorsey O n o c a t i o n L adventurer John Banovich would walk way with the role. But it's the work of this extraordinary painter that has long captivated me, and that's why I chose John to provide a signature piece of artwork for my show, Ultimate Sportsman's Lodge that airs on Great American Country. My wife, Amy, and I wanted something transcendent and arresting to complete our master suite and John was the first name that came to mind. "You gave me complete latitude to bring my vision to life," John told me