Guardian of the Salties

By Sema Cohen

36"

"The air of heaven is that which blows between a horse's ears" - Arabian proverb.
The Salt River Wild Horses served as a profound inspiration for Sema Cohen's artwork, culminating in her piece titled "Guardian of the Salties." The Salt River wild horses are historic and majestic animals that inhabit the lower Salt River within the Tonto National Forest in Arizona. They symbolize the pride of the local community and embody the untamed spirit of Arizona and the American West. These horses are believed to be descendants of Spanish horses introduced to Arizona in the 1600's, long before the establishment of Tonto National Forest in 1902. Grazing along the riverbanks of their natural habitat they remain blissfully unaware of their significant role in the balance between civilization and nature as well as their importance in preserving wild spaces for future generations. Enchanting, majestic and noble are just a few words that describe these wild horses.
Many stories have been shared about white horses, but the Legend of the White Stallion stands out as an age-old narrative passed down through generations. This ancient Native American tale narrates the journey of a courageous young man who is bestowed with a magical white horse, who assists him in his mission to rescue his people from a malevolent spirit. This timeless story has been shared across the ages, imparting essential lessons in bravery, resilience, and determination.

"The artist's world is limitless. It can be found anywhere, far from where he lives or a few feet away. It is always on his doorstep." Paul Strand

My name is Sema Cohen and I am originally from Seattle, Washington. I relocated to Cave Creek in 2018.
Art has always been a passion of mine. My goal is to bring my subjects to life with their own spirit that moves the observer.
I am a versatile artist, albeit, I have a real affection for painting horses and am constantly inspired by them.
After graduating from high school, I went to work in our family business. My mother recognized my talent with hopes I would go to art school.
Later in life I started to get serious about my art. In 2014 I crossed paths with an artist that paints Photorealistic paintings with an airbrush. He has been my inspiration and teacher.
And here we are.